India to build four critical mineral processing parks focusing on lithium and nickel

India’s roadmap for critical minerals is moving forward as the government plans four specialised processing parks in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Mines secretary Keshav Chandra said the initial focus will be on building capacity for lithium and nickel, key inputs for the battery sector, and that the parks will integrate processing with downstream industries. State authorities will lead the planning and execution, with the centre providing technical support, according to Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy.

These parks fall under the National Critical Mineral Mission, approved with a total outlay of Rs 34,300 crore over seven years, of which Rs 16,300 crore is earmarked for the mission and Rs 18,000 crore expected from public sector firms. The initiative aims to achieve self-reliance in critical minerals and accelerate India’s green energy transition.