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USIBC Forms Critical Minerals Security Task Force With India; Targets Lithium, Rare Earths Amid China's 90% Processing Control

EconomyIntl. RelationsScience & TechHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCTeachingPrelims HighMains Medium
15 Jun 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:90% of global critical mineral processing controlled by China30 critical minerals identified by India26 minerals overlap with US priorities6,000 MTPA REPM production capacity target5 priority engagement areas17 leading US and Indian companies in task force
Bodies:US-India Business Council (USIBC)Ministry of External Affairs
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.The US-India Business Council (USIBC) launched a Critical Minerals Security Task Force to deepen bilateral cooperation in critical mineral supply chains.

2.China controls 90% of global critical mineral processing, and India identifies 30 minerals as 'critical', with 26 overlapping with US priorities.

3.The task force will focus on five priority areas: lithium refining/CAM, recycling, feedstock corridors, synthetic graphite production, and rare earth processing/magnet manufacturing.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

Following the India-US Critical Minerals Framework, the US-India Business Council launched a task force to build resilient supply chains. This strategic move addresses China's dominance (90% processing control) and focuses on five priority areas like lithium refining and rare earth processing to secure India's EV and green tech future.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

China's Processing Control90% of global critical mineral processing
India's Critical Minerals List30 minerals identified as 'critical'
Overlap with US Priorities26 minerals overlap
India's REPM Production Target6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA)
Task Force Priority Areas5 areas identified

1-Minute Revision

  • ›China's Processing Control: 90% of global critical mineral processing
  • ›India's Critical Minerals List: 30 minerals identified as 'critical'
  • ›Target this Data: China's control of 90% of global critical mineral processing.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: US-India Business Council (USIBC) launched the Critical Minerals Security Task Force.
  • ›Target this Scheme: India's scheme to support 6,000 MTPA integrated Rare Earth Permanent Magnet production.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

1Static LinkageEasy

Which trade advocacy body launched the Critical Minerals Security Task Force mentioned in the news?

2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the India-US critical minerals cooperation:

1. China controls 90% of global critical mineral processing.

2. Out of 30 minerals identified as critical by India, 20 overlap with US priorities.

3. The task force has identified five priority areas, including lithium refining and rare earth processing.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

3Data-centricMedium

What is the annual production capacity target for integrated Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs) under India's announced scheme?

4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary strategic rationale behind the India-US cooperation on critical minerals as highlighted in the news?

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