New Delhi: The Centre is set to establish four critical mineral value-addition and processing plants in Gujarat, Odisha, Telangana and Maharashtra as part of its efforts to strengthen India’s self-reliance in strategic minerals and reduce dependence on imports.

Highlighting the progress of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said the government has identified dedicated mining blocks for critical minerals and carried out large-scale auctions for the first time since Independence.

He noted that several critical mineral blocks have already been successfully auctioned, laying the foundation for a domestic supply chain for minerals that are vital to sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, semiconductors, defence and advanced manufacturing.

The minister also said the Centre has entered into multiple agreements with foreign countries to enhance cooperation and secure long-term access to critical mineral resources and supply chains.

Reddy said, “The Government of India is preparing to establish four critical mineral value processing plants in Odisha, Gujarat, Telangana and Maharashtra. Land for these facilities has already been allotted by the respective state governments.” He further added that the state authorities are also preparing implementation plans to facilitate their development.

According to Reddy, the projects are expected to significantly boost India’s mineral processing and refining capabilities, an area in which the country has traditionally relied heavily on imports and overseas processing networks.

He added that the government anticipates substantial progress in the critical minerals sector over the next year as mining auctions, processing infrastructure and international partnerships begin translating into operational capacity. DeshGujarat