In Short : Novasensa’s COO emphasized that addressing policy gaps in exploration, permitting, investments, and processing can significantly boost India’s critical mineral sector. Streamlined regulations, stronger private participation, and clearer incentives are essential to unlocking domestic resources needed for batteries, renewables, and clean technologies. Strengthening the policy framework will enhance self-reliance and secure India’s position in global mineral value chains.
In Detail : India’s rapidly growing demand for clean energy technologies, electric mobility, and advanced manufacturing has placed unprecedented importance on critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths. Novasensa’s COO highlighted that India stands at a strategic turning point—one where effective policy reforms could dramatically accelerate the development of its domestic critical mineral ecosystem.
A key challenge for India lies in exploration. Despite having promising geological potential, exploration efforts remain limited compared to global standards. The COO stressed that simplifying exploration approvals, encouraging private sector participation, and improving geological mapping are essential first steps to unlocking the nation’s mineral wealth.
Another major barrier is the lengthy and complex permitting process for mining projects. Delays caused by overlapping regulatory frameworks, environmental clearances, and land-related approvals often discourage investors. Streamlined processes and single-window clearances were identified as crucial to making India a more attractive destination for mining investments.
The COO also underlined the need to strengthen investment incentives. While India has opened its mining sector to private companies, the lack of targeted fiscal benefits, risk-sharing mechanisms, and long-term stability still limits large-scale participation. Clearer incentives could help accelerate both exploration and production activities across critical mineral categories.
Developing downstream processing and refining capabilities is equally important. Currently, India relies heavily on imports not just for minerals but also for their processed forms. Establishing domestic refining units, supported by technology partnerships and policy backing, would help India capture more value within the supply chain.
According to Novasensa’s leadership, collaboration between industry and government must deepen. Stronger partnerships can facilitate knowledge exchange, promote innovation, and align regulatory standards with global best practices. This collaborative approach would also help in developing sustainable and socially responsible mining frameworks.
Building strategic reserves of critical minerals is another recommendation highlighted by the COO. With global supply chains increasingly disrupted by geopolitical tensions, maintaining stockpiles of high-demand minerals can protect India’s manufacturing sectors from volatility and ensure long-term supply security.
Skill development and technological innovation will also shape the sector’s future. The COO emphasized the need for specialized training programs, digital exploration tools, and advanced mining technologies to ensure that India’s workforce and industry remain competitive as the sector evolves.
Overall, Novasensa’s COO conveyed that fixing policy gaps is central to accelerating India’s rise in the critical mineral value chain. With strategic reforms, targeted investments, and strong industry-government synergy, India can secure key resources for its clean energy transition, boost domestic manufacturing, and emerge as a global player in critical minerals.
