Centre Unveils India’s First Policy on Mining Critical Minerals from Tailings

The central government on Monday announced India’s first comprehensive tailings policy, aimed at enabling the recovery of critical and strategic minerals from mine waste. The policy lays down guidelines for exploration not only from primary mineral resources but also from secondary sources such as mine dumps, tailings ponds, slags, and other industrial residues, marking a significant shift in the country’s mineral exploration strategy.

What Are Tailings and Why They Matter

Tailings refer to the leftover waste material generated after valuable minerals are extracted from crushed ore. The policy follows the Union Budget announcement on launching a framework for recovering critical minerals from tailings. The government noted that several critical and strategic elements are not confined to traditional mineral blocks under the administrative control of the Ministry of Mines but may also be present in materials overseen by other ministries, necessitating inter-ministerial coordination.

Companion Minerals in Existing Mines

The new policy is based on the recognition that many commodities currently mined in India as primary ores contain valuable companion elements in their waste streams. For instance, copper mining tailings may contain Selenium, Tellurium, Molybdenum, Cobalt, Rhenium, Gold, and Silver, while zinc ores are often associated with Germanium, Cadmium, Indium, and Silver. Recovering these elements can significantly enhance resource efficiency and reduce wastage.

Role of Exploration Agencies

The Ministry of Mines has directed agencies such as the Indian Bureau of Mines, Central Mine Planning & Design Institute, and the Atomic Minerals Directorate to conduct systematic sampling and analysis of dumps and tailings at existing mines. This exercise will help determine “companionality”, identify the location and quantity of waste material, and assess the recoverability and economic viability of extracting critical and strategic minerals.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Tailings are waste materials left after mineral extraction from ore.
• Critical minerals include lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements.
• IBM, CMPDI, and AMD are key agencies under the tailings policy.
• Companion minerals are valuable elements found alongside primary ores.

Boost to Self-Reliance and Green Technologies

Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are essential for batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and other clean energy technologies. The policy is expected to provide a standard guideline for tapping these minerals from both primary and secondary sources, reduce import dependence, and strengthen domestic supply chains. By integrating exploration across coal, non-coal, atomic minerals, and petroleum sectors, the tailings policy aims to enhance India’s self-reliance and support its transition towards green and sustainable technologies.