India and UK Launch Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory

India and the United Kingdom launched the Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO) on 5 June 2026 in New Delhi. The observatory is a joint initiative of TEXMiN at the Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, and the University of Cambridge.

Critical Minerals and Supply Chains

Critical minerals are minerals that are essential for economic activity and industrial production. They are used in clean energy technologies, electric mobility, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Supply chains for these minerals include extraction, processing, refining, transport, and end-use manufacturing.

Functions of the Observatory

The GSCO is designed to monitor and analyse global critical mineral supply chains. It identifies supply risks and disruptions, generates market intelligence, and supports decision-making for policymakers, industry, and researchers. The observatory also covers resource security for sectors linked to clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

India-UK Cooperation on Critical Minerals

The initiative was announced during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India in October 2025. The launch in June 2026 marks Phase II of the UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory. A Research Collaboration Agreement for the project was formalised in March 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• India’s National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) is a policy framework related to critical mineral security.
• Critical minerals are linked with clean energy transitions and electric mobility.
• TEXMiN is associated with the Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad.
• The University of Cambridge is a partner institution in the GSCO initiative.

Official Positions

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy stated that critical minerals are vital for modern economies and clean energy technologies. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper referred to access to critical minerals and information-sharing as areas of cooperation between the two countries.