Looks like India was forced to take the jump into large scale exploration of commercial mining for critical green minerals and rare earth metals. The copper smelting plant in Tamil Nadu, operated by the Vedanta Group was forced to shut down in the face of large groups of people agitating against degradation of environment and causing life threatening damage to health of the local population. There were whispers that China had influenced the agitation, in order to have a monopoly in copper supplies. Copper is known to cause skin allergies and sometimes more serious health problems. Fortunately a sizeable deposit of Lithium has already been discovered in J & K. Serious exploration will definitely yield more fruitful results, in the near future. That India had preferred to purchase the minerals earlier is I feel, justified and mature, considering the environmental degradation caused by mining in general. Countries like China will continue to create fresh problems for the rest of the world, due to their insatiable desire for power. Very informative and topical. Keep us updated Anil. Thank you 😊
Thank you for your kind words and detailed thoughts. Much appreciated.
Indeed there was (and still is) a buzz that the agitation was inspired, not necessarily by those looking out for the locals. Inevitably, there will be a trade off in every choice India makes. Which is why Parliament is so critical--it is a forum to get the government to lay out its cards and not a platform to score brownie points.
Couldn't agree with you more about China's mercantile pursuits and how they have destabilised the world. Just look at our neighbourhood. Sri Lanka has been reduced to penury, egged on by the usurious deals it entered into with China to fund infrastructure projects.
Excellent article on " minerals of the future"! They are needed to support the transition to clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines , electric vehicles, batteries etc.Given India s domestic demand and potential in these sectors, their growth can lead to job creation, income generation and innovation.These minerals are vital for defence, nuclear energy application, aerospace etc.
But as you have written,most of these minerals are imported and India is heavily dependent on other countries for its supply.
The government is actively looking in this crucial area which is the right step !!
Anil, brilliant as ever. Ur article reinforces the hands down working of this Govt when it comes to policy matters and decisions. Maybe that's why we have technocrats and Bureaucrats as Ministers in key areas for our security be it food or resources or defence. Somehow the decisions seem will timed. Thanks Anil and keep the flag flying and flying.
Thank you so much Yugainder. I was pleasantly surprised at the method and detail in India's response to the challenge. Look forward to your continued participation.
Looks like India was forced to take the jump into large scale exploration of commercial mining for critical green minerals and rare earth metals. The copper smelting plant in Tamil Nadu, operated by the Vedanta Group was forced to shut down in the face of large groups of people agitating against degradation of environment and causing life threatening damage to health of the local population. There were whispers that China had influenced the agitation, in order to have a monopoly in copper supplies. Copper is known to cause skin allergies and sometimes more serious health problems. Fortunately a sizeable deposit of Lithium has already been discovered in J & K. Serious exploration will definitely yield more fruitful results, in the near future. That India had preferred to purchase the minerals earlier is I feel, justified and mature, considering the environmental degradation caused by mining in general. Countries like China will continue to create fresh problems for the rest of the world, due to their insatiable desire for power. Very informative and topical. Keep us updated Anil. Thank you 😊
Dear Gautam,
Thank you for your kind words and detailed thoughts. Much appreciated.
Indeed there was (and still is) a buzz that the agitation was inspired, not necessarily by those looking out for the locals. Inevitably, there will be a trade off in every choice India makes. Which is why Parliament is so critical--it is a forum to get the government to lay out its cards and not a platform to score brownie points.
Couldn't agree with you more about China's mercantile pursuits and how they have destabilised the world. Just look at our neighbourhood. Sri Lanka has been reduced to penury, egged on by the usurious deals it entered into with China to fund infrastructure projects.
Sad that they have not been called to task.
Looking forward to your continued participation.
Best
Anil
Dear Anil,
Excellent article on " minerals of the future"! They are needed to support the transition to clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines , electric vehicles, batteries etc.Given India s domestic demand and potential in these sectors, their growth can lead to job creation, income generation and innovation.These minerals are vital for defence, nuclear energy application, aerospace etc.
But as you have written,most of these minerals are imported and India is heavily dependent on other countries for its supply.
The government is actively looking in this crucial area which is the right step !!
Dear Vandana,
Thank you for your kind words of appreciation. Means a lot to me.
Couldn't agree with you more. Better late than never in this world of strategic games.
Look forward to your continued participation.
Best
Anil
Anil, brilliant as ever. Ur article reinforces the hands down working of this Govt when it comes to policy matters and decisions. Maybe that's why we have technocrats and Bureaucrats as Ministers in key areas for our security be it food or resources or defence. Somehow the decisions seem will timed. Thanks Anil and keep the flag flying and flying.
Thank you so much Yugainder. I was pleasantly surprised at the method and detail in India's response to the challenge. Look forward to your continued participation.
Best
Anil