Strategic Mineral Security and its Role in National Security

Strategic minerals are critical to national security, serving as essential resources for industries that are crucial to a nation's defence and economic stability. This paper explores the concept of strategic minerals, tracing their significance from historical contexts to their modern-day applications in defence, energy, and technology sectors. India, a mineral-rich nation, faces challenges in securing these minerals due to deficiencies in certain key resources. The paper examines how minerals attain "strategic" status based on factors like supply availability, cost, and relevance to national interests. It also highlights the need for a robust legal framework to govern the security and management of strategic minerals in India, emphasizing the importance of stockpiling, exploration, and international procurement. The National Mineral Policy, 2019, though recognizing the importance of mineral security, lacks concrete legislative measures. This paper argues for the urgent development of a comprehensive legal framework to ensure the sustainable and secure supply of strategic minerals, essential for maintaining India's defence capabilities and overall national security.