Question : Shortage of Critical Minerals

(a) whether India is likely to face an acute shortage of critical minerals necessary for developing a clean-energy application, infrastructure for its solar mission and for manufacturing high-technology products in the near future and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the country is likely to become largely dependent on China in the coming years to source such materials for its manufacturing sector and at present is 100 per cent import-dependent for critical minerals and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps/measures taken by the Government to reduce such dependence and to develop mines and unleash the untapped potential of the vast mineral resources?

THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a): The metallurgical grade silica required for manufacturing of photovoltaic ingots/ wafers/ cells/ modules has not been reported in any part of the country so far.

(b) &(c): The Government has taken the following steps to enhance domestic solar PV manufacturing:

(i) Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.

(ii) Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules.

(iii) Imposition of Safeguard Duty on import of solar PV cells & modules.

(iv) Preference to ‘Make in India’ in Public Procurement in Renewable Energy Sector.

(v) Domestic Content Requirement - under the current schemes of MNRE, it has been mandated to source solar PV cells and modules from domestic sources.

(vi) Increase of Basic Customs Duty: With effect from 02.02.2021, Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on import of solar inverters and solar lanterns / lamps has been increased.

(vii) Discontinuation of Concessional Customs Duty Certificates for solar power projects.


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