Minister of State for Coal Satish Chandra Dubey confirmed the government’s commitment to promote innovation in important minerals on the inauguration of the advanced research and innovation center of Lohum in Noida on 20 August. This feature operated by the Uttar Pradesh -based important mineral company Lohum is in line with India’s National Important Mineral Mission launched in January 2025 to achieve self -sufficiency in important minerals for energy and technology.

The center focuses on 15 of India’s 30 identified important minerals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, copper, aluminum and rare soil elements, which are required for batteries, electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy technologies. With more than 100 scientists and 5% revenue of Lohum, this feature provides special laboratories for magnets, batteries, and cathode materials, providing solutions for a circular economy. Lohum founder and CEO Rajat Verma emphasized its role in establishing India as a global leader in the manufacture of important minerals.

China’s export sanctions on rare earth magnets raised by the Ministry of Coal in Parliament have disrupted Indian industries, especially electric vehicle manufacturers, underlining the need for domestic innovation. India is fully dependent on imports for lithium, cobalt and nickel, facing supply risks, as China controls 80–90% of global processing. Supported by investment of ₹ 34,300 crore in seven years, the aim is to promote exploration, recycling and foreign acquisitions through initiatives like Mineral Foreign India Limited (Kaabil).

By promoting research and development and reducing dependence on imports, the center of Lohum supports India’s clean energy goals, which aims to achieve 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030 and pure-zero emissions by 2070.