The global shift towards clean energy has triggered an unprecedented surge in demand for critical minerals. From rare earth elements powering wind turbines to lithium that fuels electric vehicles, these minerals are the backbone of the world’s net-zero ambitions. But as the planet accelerates toward renewable technologies, a fundamental question emerges: Can we extract minerals essential for a greener future without compromising the ecological balance we aim to protect?
For India, now the world’s third-largest energy consumer with ambitious renewable energy targets, this question is particularly vital. The country possesses enormous geological potential, including an estimated 44.9 million tonnes of cobalt ore and 163.9 million tonnes of copper reserves. Yet only a fraction of India’s subsurface wealth has been explored. The challenge now is not only to mine these resources efficiently but to ensure that mining practices evolve through the lens of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) stewardship.
The Critical Minerals Imperative
The rise of clean-energy technologies has transformed global mineral supply chains. Between 2017 and 2022:
These minerals are indispensable to modern technologies:
India’s renewable energy ambitions, including its goal of installing 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, necessitate a massive increase in the supply of such critical minerals.
Yet, India remains heavily import-dependent:
This dependency exposes India to supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and geopolitical pressures, making domestic mineral security essential for economic resilience and long-term sustainability.
ESG: A New Paradigm for Responsible Mining
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has emerged as the global benchmark for evaluating mining practices beyond financial performance.
Focuses on:
• Reduced emissions
• Efficient energy use
• Water conservation
• Biodiversity preservation
Addresses:
• Community development
• Worker safety
• Indigenous rights
• Local economic empowerment
Ensures:
• Transparency
• Ethical business practices
• Independent audits
• Compliance with national and international norms
Together, these pillars define mining operations that are responsible, resilient, and future-ready.
ESG in Action: Transforming Mining Operations
The global mining ecosystem is undergoing a significant transformation as ESG principles become central to corporate strategy. Within India, forward-looking mining companies are embracing sustainable models that create value while reducing environmental impact.
Energy Transition at Mines
○ Renewable power integration using solar and wind installations
○ Electrification of mining fleets to reduce emissions
○ Deployment of energy-efficient automation and digital systems
Water Stewardship
○ Closed-loop water systems <s/trong>to reduce freshwater dependency
○ Rainwater harvesting and groundwater monitoring
○ Enhanced wastewater treatment and reuse
Community-Centric Development
○ Genuine local engagement replacing one-time CSR activities
○ Investments in healthcare, education, livelihood training, and local supply chains
○ Skill development programs creating future-ready mining communities
Transparency and Monitoring
○ Public ESG reporting
○ Real-time environmental monitoring dashboards
○ Independent audits to ensure compliance and trust
These practices prove that profitability and sustainability can not only coexist but also reinforce each other.
India’s Path Forward: Leading the Global Sustainable Mining Movement
India is uniquely positioned to redefine how the world views mining, moving away from extraction-focused operations toward ecosystem-friendly, technology-driven, community-supported frameworks.
1. National Critical Mineral Mission
A transformative initiative focusing on:
○ Launching 1,200+ exploration projects
○ Auctioning 100+ critical mineral blocks
○ Boosting private sector participation in exploration
○ Accelerating offshore and deep-sea mineral assessments
○ Embedding sustainability at every stage, from exploration to processing
2. Global Partnerships for Secure Supply Chains
India is now a strategic member of the Minerals Security Partnership, collaborating with 23 global partners, including:
○ Australia
○ Canada
○ Japan
○ United Kingdom
○ European Union
This partnership promotes:
○ Stable supply chains
○ Investment in ESG-compliant projects
○ Knowledge exchange and technology transfer
3. Strengthening Domestic Processing & Value Addition
To reduce dependency on foreign processing:
○ India is setting up four critical mineral processing parks
○ Emphasis on low-impact processing technologies
○ Focus on job creation and industrial growth
A notable initiative is the mandate that all new non-ferrous products must include at least 5% recycled content by FY 2027–28, reinforcing India’s commitment to circularity.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the progress, several challenges must be addressed to unlock India’s full potential in sustainable mining.
• Limited Geological Exploration
Nearly 80% of India’s geological potential remains unexplored. The need of the hour:
○ Advanced geoscientific mapping
○ Faster clearances
○ High-quality pre-exploration data
• Regulatory and Operational Bottlenecks
Long project timelines, limited baseline data, and complex regulations can deter investors. A streamlined, digital-first regulatory framework will be crucial.
• Social and Environmental Sensitivities
Many critical mineral reserves lie in:
○ Tribal regions
○ Ecologically fragile zones
This demands mining models that:
○ Minimise displacement
○ Protect biodiversity
○ Ensure equitable community participation
• Workforce and Skill Gaps
There is a rising demand for professionals trained in:
○ Sustainable mining
○ Mineral processing
○ Automation, robotics, and digital mining
○ ESG reporting and monitoring
• Circular Economy Potential
End-of-life:
○ Solar panels
○ Lithium-ion batteries
○ EV components
○ Electronics
…will soon become valuable secondary sources for key minerals. Robust recycling infrastructure can simultaneously:
○ Reduce primary extraction
○ Address e-waste
○ Create green jobs
iCEM: Pioneering the Future of Safe, Sustainable, and Automated Mining
iCEM is designed as a global knowledge and training powerhouse, dedicated to bringing in-class mining practices, safety standards, and technologies to India.
Key Focus Areas of iCEM
○ Adoption of global best practices in mining safety
○ Automation and advanced digital technologies
○ Sustainable mineral processing techniques
○ Skill development for the mining workforce
iCEM’s upcoming Critical Mineral Observatory will fill a crucial gap by:
○ Providing real-time insights on mineral demand, supply, and sustainability
○ Embedding ESG principles across the mining value chain
○ Enabling midstream mineral processing capabilities
○ Training a future-ready workforce that can support India’s critical mineral goals
Through these initiatives, iCEM is poised to become the central force driving India’s sustainable mining revolution.
The Road Ahead
India stands at a pivotal moment, an opportunity to meet global mineral needs while pioneering mining practices that prioritize ecology, innovation, and community well-being.
Sustainable mining is not merely a regulatory obligation; it is a strategic necessity that supports:
○ Energy security
○ Economic competitiveness
○ Technological advancement
○ Environmental resilience
By integrating ESG principles, fostering global partnerships, investing in advanced processing, and empowering institutions like iCEM, India can establish itself as a world leader in responsible critical mineral extraction.
As the world races toward a greener future, India’s mining sector has the power to ensure that sustainability is not an afterthought, but the foundation of progress.
26 Nov, 2025
