In an increasingly technology-dependent and energy-transitioning world, the focus on critical and strategic minerals has intensified. These are not just mineral resources—they are the foundation upon which modern economies, green technologies, high-tech industries and national security strategies are being built.
In between these two segments, please add a pic of some of the ores mentioned below
What Are Critical and Strategic Minerals?
Critical minerals are those whose supply chain is vulnerable to disruption and which are crucial for the economy and technology. Strategic minerals, meanwhile, are indispensable to national defense, energy security, and industrial manufacturing.
Some of the most sought-after critical and strategic minerals include:
- Lithium: Used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles grid storage and portable electronics.
- Cobalt: A key component in rechargeable batteries and superalloys.
- Graphite: Crucial for battery anodes and refractories.
- Rare Earth Elements (REE): Used in wind turbines, electronics, magnets, and defense systems.
- Nickel and Copper: Vital for electrical infrastructure and industrial machinery.
- Platinum Group Elements (PGE): Employed in catalytic converters, hydrogen fuel cells, and chemical refining.
India has recently launched a national initiative to identify, explore, and auction critical mineral blocks, prioritizing self-reliance. ISPL has actively participated in these efforts by offering auction assessments, bid support, and techno-commercial assessments of multiple assets across key mineral belts in Odisha, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka.
Why Processing Matters
Discovery of a mineral deposit is just the beginning. Without efficient processing techniques being identified, its potential cannot be realized. Processing refers to the complex set of operations that convert raw ore into commercially valuable materials. It is a crucial step in determining both economic feasibility and environmental sustainability.
At ISPL, we integrate processing strategy into early-stage exploration and resource evaluation. This approach allows mining operations to:
- Minimize losses and maximize recovery
- Improve product quality
- Reduce energy and reagent consumption
- Address environmental and waste management goals
Key Stages of Mineral Processing
- Ore Characterization
Before processing begins, detailed mineralogical analysis is conducted to understand the behaviour of minerals. This helps in selecting the most efficient beneficiation route. - Comminution
Ore is crushed and ground to liberate the target minerals. The energy intensity of this stage makes it a prime candidate for optimization. - Beneficiation
Depending on mineralogy, a range of concentration techniques are applied:
- Flotation for sulphides and graphite,
- Magnetic separation for REEs and iron-rich minerals,
- Gravity concentration for heavy minerals like PGEs
- Leaching for lithium, nickel, and cobalt
- Extractive Metallurgy
Depending on the mineral, hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical methods are employed to extract and purify metals. For example, lithium can be extracted via acid leaching or roasting followed by hydrometallurgy. - Residue and Tailings Management
With stricter environmental norms, proper handling of tailings and residue materials has become non-negotiable. ISPL promotes reprocessing strategies to recover secondary minerals (e.g., scandium from REE tailings and Vanadium from Graphite tailings), while supporting zero-waste mining principles.
Leveraging Technology in Exploration and Mining
At Innourbia, technology is not an afterthought—it is embedded across the mining value chain. Our expertise in digital platforms and geoscientific software helps optimize decision-making throughout the processing lifecycle.
- K-MINE: An integrated solution that supports geological modelling, resource and reserve estimation, mine design, planning, and operational optimization.
- Seequent’s MX Deposit, IMAGO, TARGET and LEAPFROG: Collection and management of geoscience data and its meaningful application for further downstream activities, advanced 3D Geological Modelling. Advanced data management solutions and modelling tools used for exploration and mining processes.
- Oasis Montaj: Provide imaging and geophysical analysis for better orebody understanding.
These tools are critical in simulating mineral or ore resource recoveries, analysis & evaluation of mining scenarios and identifying bottlenecks—leading to enhanced metallurgical performance and financial predictability.
India’s Strategic Roadmap
India’s mineral strategy is aligned with its green energy ambitions. The Ministry of Mines, using the platform of MSTC Auction Portal and leveraging the core capabilities of entities like Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM); Geological Survey of India and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (Formerly Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited) (MECL), has begun auctioning blocks of critical minerals since November 2023, while promoting domestic processing capacities.
However, a challenge remains: most of these minerals are currently processed abroad due to lack of infrastructure and availability of appropriate technologies . ISPL is working towards bridging this gap by offering global subject matter expertise in geo-mining consulting and metallurgical support that enables India to build self-reliant and globally competitive processing facilities.
Conclusion
The race for critical and strategic minerals is more than a competition—it’s a necessity for technological sovereignty and climate resilience. As the world shifts towards clean energy and smart manufacturing, minerals like lithium, graphite, and REEs will define economic power.
Innourbia Solutions is at the forefront of this transformation. Through robust exploration services, advanced data modelling, and sustainable processing strategies, we are helping reshape India’s mining future.
When it comes to critical and strategic minerals, it’s not just about finding them—it’s about unlocking their true value. And that’s exactly what we do.
