India has launched a critical minerals research plan worth ₹210 crore over three years — but access is limited to only nine pre-selected Centres of Excellence (COEs). The initiative, led by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) together with the Ministry of Mines, aims to accelerate domestic capability in exploration, processing, extraction, and recycling of strategic raw materials vital to the EV, defence and renewable sectors. With more than 90% of India’s critical minerals currently imported, industry is watching closely to see how fast this critical minerals research plan can deliver deployable technology.
Why the Critical Minerals Research Plan Matters Now
The government has positioned the critical minerals research plan as an industry-focused initiative — not a conventional academic grant cycle. Every proposal must target one specific industry problem and begin at a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2, with clear evidence of commercial applicability. Funding will be released in phases and only if year-wise targets are achieved. Importantly, industry partners must contribute 10% of costs in cash, signalling that projects must demonstrate market demand from day one.
India’s dependence on imported lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earths has been repeatedly flagged by NITI Aayog reports and parliamentary reviews. This critical minerals research plan is designed to plug that gap by converting laboratory research into commercial technology — a step India has historically struggled to achieve at scale.
Only Nine Institutions Can Lead the Critical Minerals Research Plan
Access to the programme is tightly controlled. Only nine COEs recognised earlier by the Ministry of Mines can apply — and they must lead consortiums comprising at least two academic partners and two industry partners. The selected institutions under the critical minerals research plan are:
IIT Bombay, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee, IISc Bengaluru, Indian School of Mines Dhanbad, Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology Bhubaneswar, National Metallurgical Laboratory Jamshedpur, NFTDC Hyderabad and CMET Hyderabad.
Industry sources have quietly raised concerns that restricting the critical minerals research plan to nine COEs may isolate capable state universities and emerging labs. Others argue that an elite cluster approach may improve quality and speed, particularly if the commercialisation framework is enforced.
Research Scope: Full Value Chain Under the Critical Minerals Research Plan
The critical minerals research plan will fund research spanning the entire value chain — from exploration and mineral processing to waste recovery and strategic recycling. Proposals are expected to focus on AI-driven predictive geology, hyperspectral imaging, mineral beneficiation, alternative leaching techniques, tailings valorisation, slurry treatment and extraction from spent batteries. The scope mirrors global efforts under the EU’s CRM Act, the US Inflation Reduction Act and Japan’s JOGMEC strategy, signalling that India is aligning its critical minerals research plan with international frameworks.
Domestic recycling potential is particularly significant. Bernstein Research estimates that mine waste recovery and advanced recycling could generate over $11 billion annually in India by 2030. If aligned properly, this critical minerals research plan could create the country’s first integrated technology-to-commercialisation funnel in this domain.
Skillings Analysis — Does the Critical Minerals Research Plan Go Far Enough?
This critical minerals research plan marks a definitive shift toward industry-driven technology development, but execution will determine its value. The 10% cash contribution rule should prevent purely academic proposals, while the TRL framework ensures accountability. However, nine COEs alone are unlikely to build a national critical minerals technology base in time for the 2026–27 EV demand cycle. India needs 50 or more pilot-scale labs if it aims to compete with China, Europe and the US.
Industry participation — especially from state-owned miners and battery manufacturers — will be a key signal to watch in Q1 FY26, when the first set of proposals are evaluated. If even five successful projects reach TRL-4 by the end of FY27, analysts believe this critical minerals research plan could reshape India’s strategy for lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earths for the next decade.
Outlook: Will the Critical Minerals Research Plan Deliver Commercial Technologies?
The coming months will determine whether this critical minerals research plan acts as a technology catalyst or remains a limited academic consortium. The first proposals are due in early FY26, followed by an assessment cycle before the 2026 Christmas demand period for EVs and battery metals. If pilot technologies emerge quickly — particularly in mine-waste recovery and AI-assisted exploration — India could demonstrate commercial readiness earlier than expected.
For now, industry is aligned on one point: this critical minerals research plan signals intent. Its success will depend entirely on speed, partnerships and the ability to turn research into revenue.
