Amid heightened global attention on energy security, clean technology, and resilient supply chains, Jharkhand unveiled its long-term strategy for critical minerals at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos. The State hosted a dedicated Global Hybrid Round Table under the guidance of Chief Minister Hemant Soren to showcase its emerging role in the sector.
The session, titled “Jharkhand’s Critical Minerals Opportunity: From Geology to Value Creation,” drew policymakers, researchers, and international industry leaders to examine how resource-rich regions can shift from extraction-focused models to processing and technology-driven growth.
Positioning Jharkhand in India’s Critical Minerals Map
Opening the discussions, Mines and Industries Secretary Arava Rajkamal stressed that critical minerals have become central to energy transition, geo-economics and geo-security. He noted that Jharkhand, which hosts 20 of the 24 critical minerals identified as strategic by the Union government, is well placed to support India’s ambitions in electric mobility, clean energy technologies, and advanced materials.
Former Union Minister of State (Finance) and Eversource Capital President Jayant Sinha called for mineral-rich states to prioritise value addition over raw material exports. He argued that local processing and manufacturing would ensure job creation, industrial growth, and responsible development, instead of mere extraction-led revenue.
Industrial Vision and Policy Roadmap
Director of Mines Rahul Sinha presented an overview of the State’s geological reserves and explained ongoing initiatives to enhance exploration, scientific mining, and responsible extraction under an investor-friendly regulatory framework. He invited both domestic and international stakeholders to collaborate with Jharkhand in building an integrated critical minerals ecosystem.
Varun Ranjan, Managing Director of JIIDCO, highlighted the State’s Vision 2050 industrial roadmap, centred on downstream industries such as mineral refining, EV components, magnet production, and battery technologies. He said such clusters would help retain value within the State, attract global manufacturers, and strengthen clean energy supply chains.
Industry, Skills and Global Value Chains
Mukesh Kumar, Director of the Global Supply Chain Observatory at the University of Cambridge, pointed out that geological resources alone do not guarantee competitiveness. He underlined the need for specialised skills, research collaborations, and institutional capacity to help Jharkhand integrate into global supply chains and convert mineral wealth into sustainable economic outcomes.
Global Expert Inputs
International participants Dennis, Lucas, Ben, and Martin offered insights into global market trends, risk management, and emerging technologies in the critical minerals sector. They highlighted the importance of diversified supply chains, investor confidence, and environmental governance to attract long-term capital. Responsible mining standards, they noted, are becoming essential for global partnerships.
Regulatory Push for Timely Implementation
In the concluding session, Finance Secretary Prashant Kumar emphasised the need for clear policies, streamlined approvals, and competitive pricing to ensure time-bound development. He suggested that brownfield opportunities could be used to fast-track critical minerals production, as several deposits co-exist with existing mining operations.
Showcasing Jharkhand to the World
The State government also screened a short film titled “Critical Minerals Landscape and Opportunities in Jharkhand,” highlighting its geological strengths and industrial prospects. A coffee table publication on Jharkhand’s critical minerals was unveiled on the sidelines of the session.
A Young State with Global Ambitions
As Jharkhand completes 25 years of statehood, it seeks to transition from a raw resource supplier to a globally integrated hub for sustainable industrial growth. Officials reiterated that the State’s approach is anchored in “growth in harmony with nature,” positioning Jharkhand as an investment-ready partner in the global critical minerals economy while advancing India’s energy security goals.
