Parliamentary Panel Flags Delays, Seeks Faster Clearances for Critical Mineral Projects

A parliamentary panel has expressed concern over delays in approvals and regulatory clearances for critical mineral projects, calling for expedited processes to strengthen India’s access to strategic resources essential for economic growth and the energy transition.

In its observations, the panel noted that prolonged timelines in environmental, forest, and land-related clearances are slowing the development of projects involving critical and strategic minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and graphite. These minerals are vital for sectors including electric mobility, renewable energy, electronics, defence, and advanced manufacturing.

The panel emphasised that delays in project execution could undermine India’s efforts to reduce import dependence and build resilient domestic supply chains. It urged the government to prioritise critical mineral projects by streamlining inter-ministerial coordination and introducing time-bound approval mechanisms without diluting environmental safeguards.

Highlighting global competition for critical minerals, the panel said faster clearances would improve investor confidence and help India keep pace with other countries that are rapidly securing mineral resources. It also suggested strengthening institutional capacity at the state and central levels to handle specialised clearances related to advanced mining projects.

The recommendations aim to accelerate the development of critical mineral assets, ensuring long-term resource security while supporting India’s clean energy goals and industrial ambitions.