New Delhi, Nov. 10 -- Access to critical minerals has emerged as a key factor in India's pursuit of its long-term net zero emissions goal, prompting the country to sign agreements with resource-rich nations including Australia, Argentina and Chile for mining, exploration and investment, whilst launching a Rs.34,300 crore (approximately $4 billion) National Critical Mineral Mission to secure supplies amid China's tightening control over global reserves and processing. Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements are indispensable for solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicle batteries and other clean energy technologies essential to India's climate goals. However, China's grip on both mining and refining-it p...