An international conference on critical metals was held in Jamshedpur, bringing together experts from government, academia, and industry. The event focused on ensuring sustainable and secure supply chains through international cooperation, technological independence, and diversified partnerships. Participants discussed how critical minerals play a vital role in both national growth and global industrial stability.
India Pushes for Global Partnership in Critical Minerals at Jamshedpur Conference
Global Cooperation for Strategic Security
Lekhan Thakkar, Joint Secretary at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), stressed that collaboration among nations is not optional but essential. He emphasised that trusted and transparent global supply chains are crucial for mutual development. Thakkar noted that critical metals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements shape economic progress, geopolitical strategies, and technological competitiveness across the world.
Industry Readiness and Extraction Partnerships
Kancham Anand Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), announced UCIL’s readiness to form strategic partnerships for critical mineral extraction. He highlighted that such collaborations would strengthen India’s mining infrastructure and integrate the nation into the global resource economy. This initiative supports India’s broader vision of self-reliance in raw materials and sustainable industrial development.
Technological Sovereignty and Atmanirbhar Bharat
Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director of CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), highlighted the need for technological sovereignty in critical minerals. He explained that key industries like electronics, defence, and aerospace rely heavily on these materials. He urged increased investment in innovation-driven research, advanced extraction, and recycling technologies to achieve the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and long-term resource security.
Innovation and Global Research Collaboration
Dr. Sarma V. Pisupati, Director of the Centre for Critical Minerals (C2M) at Penn State University, USA, called for global collaboration in research and development. He encouraged the use of indigenous technologies to boost international competitiveness.
Organising Committee Chairman Sanjay Kumar mentioned that more than 350 experts and delegates participated, engaging in discussions on technical, policy, and trade aspects related to critical metals. The conference concluded with a shared commitment to cross-border cooperation for a sustainable future.
Exam-Oriented Notes
- The International Conference on Critical Metals was held in Jamshedpur in 2025.
- It focused on global cooperation, innovation, and sustainable supply chains.
- Key speakers: Lekhan Thakkar (NSCS), Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury (CSIR-NML), and Kancham Anand Rao (UCIL).
- UCIL expressed readiness for extraction partnerships in critical minerals.
- Over 350 experts discussed strategies for resource security and policy advancement.
Question & Answer
Q1. Where was the International Conference on Critical Metals held in 2025?
(a) Ranchi
(b) Bhubaneswar
(c) Jamshedpur
(d) Hyderabad
Answer: Jamshedpur
Q2. Who represented the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) at the conference?
(a) Kancham Anand Rao
(b) Lekhan Thakkar
(c) Sanjay Kumar
(d) Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury
Answer: Lekhan Thakkar
Q3. Which organisation’s Director highlighted the importance of technological sovereignty in critical minerals?
(a) BARC
(b) CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory
(c) DRDO
(d) Geological Survey of India
Answer: CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory
Q4. UCIL expressed readiness to form partnerships in which field?
(a) Renewable energy
(b) Waste management
(c) Critical mineral extraction
(d) Water resource management
Answer: Critical mineral extraction
Q5. Who is the Director of the Centre for Critical Minerals (C2M) at Penn State University?
(a) Sarma V. Pisupati
(b) Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury
(c) Lekhan Thakkar
(d) M. S. Swaminathan
Answer: Sarma V. Pisupati
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