International Conference on Critical Metals Stresses Global Cooperation

An international conference on critical metals held in Jamshedpur underscored the urgent need for international collaboration, diversification of partnerships, and technological sovereignty to ensure sustainable and secure supply chains. Experts from government, academia, and industry deliberated on the strategic importance of critical minerals for national growth and global stability.

Global Cooperation for Strategic Security

Lekhan Thakkar, Joint Secretary at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), emphasised that collaboration across nations is now a necessity rather than a choice. He said sustainable supply chains built on trust and transparency are essential to support mutual development. Thakkar added that critical metals significantly influence economic and industrial progress, shaping regional geopolitics and technological competitiveness.

Industry Readiness and Extraction Partnerships

Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) Chairman and Managing Director Kancham Anand Rao expressed the company’s readiness to collaborate with partners in the field of critical mineral extraction. He highlighted that such partnerships would not only strengthen India’s mining capabilities but also enhance its participation in the global resource economy. UCIL’s initiative aligns with India’s broader goal of self-reliance in the raw materials sector.

Technological Sovereignty and Atmanirbhar Bharat

CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) Director, Dr Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, stressed the importance of achieving technological independence in critical minerals. He noted that sectors like electronics, defence, and aerospace depend heavily on materials such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, and that innovation-driven research must support India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. Advanced extraction and recycling technologies were identified as key enablers for long-term resource security.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The International Conference on Critical Metals was held in Jamshedpur in 2025.
• It was addressed by NSCS Joint Secretary Lekhan Thakkar and CSIR-NML Director Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury.
• UCIL announced readiness for extraction partnerships in critical minerals.
• Over 350 experts attended, discussing policy, technology, and supply chain issues.

Innovation and Global Research Collaboration

Dr Sarma V. Pisupati, Director of the Centre for Critical Minerals (C2M) at Penn State University, USA, called for creative and collaborative approaches in research and development. He urged the use of indigenous technologies to ensure global competitiveness. Organising committee chairman Sanjay Kumar noted that over 350 participants engaged in discussions on technical, policy, and trade aspects, reaffirming the role of cross-border collaboration in securing sustainable critical metal supply chains.