Source: universalinstitutions
Why in the news?
- India is poised to witness a significant increase in copper demand, particularly from the year 2030 onwards.
- This surge is expected to be driven by the country’s transition towards renewable energy sources and the development of associated infrastructure.
Understanding Critical Minerals:
- Critical minerals are essential for both economic development and national security.
- These minerals play pivotal roles in various industries, including defense, technology, and infrastructure.
- In July 2023, the government identified 30 minerals as critical minerals.
Source: Slideserve
Distribution of Copper Reserves in India
● Total Reserves: India possesses approximately 46 million tonnes of copper reserves.
● Regional Breakdown:
● Rajasthan: Holds the largest share with 50% of the total copper reserves.
● Madhya Pradesh: Accounts for 24% of the reserves.
● Jharkhand: Holds 19% of the copper reserves.
● Remaining 7% distributed across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, and Karnataka.