# India Needs Refined Mineral Reserves to Secure Future Supply 2026-08-06T23:41:42+00:00 | Business & Economy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet India has allocated ₹500 crore under the National Critical Mineral Mission for stockpiling, as demand for lithium, cobalt, copper and rare earths grows. The Hindu reports that China accounts for about 70% of refining across 19 of 20 strategic minerals, leaving India exposed to supply disruptions. India has domestic reserves but remains dependent on imports for lithium, cobalt and nickel, while processing and refining capacity remains limited. The mission targets 1,200 exploration projects, production of at least 15 critical minerals and 50 overseas mining assets by 2030-31. KABIL has secured 15,703 hectares in Argentina for lithium exploration. The Hindu says reserves should contain refined oxides, processed minerals and finished components, not raw ore. Such stocks require specialised storage, regular rotation and careful pricing. If seven major economies created six-month reserves, modelling suggests demand could absorb 34% of annual cobalt supply and 10% of lithium supply. ## Coverage - thehindu.com - thehindu.com Tags: critical minerals, energy transition, lithium, rare earths, stockpiling Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/india-needs-processed-mineral-reserves-not-raw-ore/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/india-needs-processed-mineral-reserves-not-raw-ore/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.