NEWS: India and the United Kingdom (U.K.)à jointly launched the Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO) to strengthen cooperation in the field of critical minerals

ABOUT

• India+ the U.K à Launched the Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO).
• The observatory àWill collect and analyse data related to global mineral supply chains and help both countries make informed decisions regarding resource security and industrial development.
• Aligns with India's goal of achieving energy transition, green growth, and strategic mineral security.

Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO)  

The GSCO is a joint India-U.K. platform designed to:

• Monitor global critical mineral supply chains.
• Analyse supply risks and disruptions.
• Improve mineral security.
• Support clean energy transitions.
• Promote research, innovation, and technology sharing.
• It will function as a data-driven analytical platform for policymakers, researchers, and industries.

Institutions Involved

• Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation (TEXMiN)
• Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad [IIT (ISM) Dhanbad]
• University of Cambridge

Why are Critical Minerals Important?

• Critical minerals are essential for modern economies and strategic sectors.
• Clean Energy Transition Used inà Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries, Solar panels, Wind turbines, Energy storage systems
• Strategic and Defence Applications Used inà Missiles, Aerospace technologies
• Digital Economy Used inà Semiconductors, smartphones, data centres , artificial Intelligence systems
• Industrial Growth Essential forà Manufacturing, Electronics, Green technologies

Importance for India

India currently imports a significant portion of its critical mineral requirements

Challenges include:

• Import dependence, limited domestic reserves, supply concentration in a few countries, geopolitical risks.
• The observatory will help India: Secure supply chains, diversify sources, improve strategic planning, strengthen mineral diplomacy.

India's Efforts in Critical Minerals

• National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) Launched toà Enhance domestic exploration, strengthen mineral security, reduce import dependence.
• Critical Minerals List India has identified several strategic critical minerals necessary for future growth.
• International Partnerships Cooperation withà Australia, U.S., U.K., Argentina, African countries for exploration and supply security.