New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- India is preparing to unveil a major Rs 15,000-20,000 crore initiative for the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), aimed at securing vital resources such as lithium, crucial for the country's shift towards green technologies like electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductors, and other advanced industries.

Lithium, along with 23 other minerals like molybdenum, nickel, rare earth elements, and vanadium, forms the backbone of the nation's future tech ambitions. To ensure a steady supply, the NCMM will focus on exploration, domestic mining, and global sourcing.

The plan includes auctioning approximately 100 critical mineral blocks, expanding offshore mining efforts, and supporting exploration ventures.

The Geologica...