Against the backdrop of growing global concerns around energy security, clean energy transitions, and resilient supply chains, Jharkhand government representatives presented a long-term strategy for critical minerals at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos through a dedicated Global Hybrid Round Table held under the guidance of the Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren.

The session, titled “Jharkhand’s Critical Minerals Opportunity: From Geology to Value Creation,” brought together policymakers, researchers, and international industry experts to deliberate on how mineral-rich regions can evolve from extraction-led economies into hubs of processing, manufacturing, and technology-led growth.

Opening the discussion, Shri Arava Rajkamal, secretary, mines and industries, govt of Jharkhand, observed that, in a world shaped by energy insecurity and clean-technology demand, critical minerals have emerged as central to geo-security and geo-economics. He noted that Jharkhand, as a key part of India’s mineral basket, is uniquely positioned to anchor the country’s critical minerals ecosystem.

Jharkhand’s strategic significance was reinforced by the fact that the State is home to 20 of the 24 critical minerals identified by the Government of India, placing it at the centre of India’s energy transition, electric mobility, advanced materials, and clean technology ambitions.

From Extraction to Value Creation

Shri Jayant Sinha, Former Union Minister of State (Finance), India and President, Eversource Capital, emphasised that mineral-rich states must move beyond exporting raw resources and instead prioritise local value addition and processing, ensuring that mineral wealth generates employment and industrial growth within the State. He also highlighted the importance of balancing development with environmental responsibility.

Industrial Ecosystem for the Next-Generation Economy

Director of Mines, Shri Rahul Sinha, presented an overview of Jharkhand’s critical minerals landscape, outlining the State’s geological strengths along with the government’s ongoing policies and initiatives to accelerate exploration, scientific mining, and responsible extraction. Highlighting the enabling regulatory framework and investment-friendly approach adopted by the State, he invited both public and private stakeholders from across the globe to partner with Jharkhand in building a robust and sustainable critical minerals ecosystem.

Offering an industry-focused perspective, Shri Varun Ranjan, Managing Director, JIIDCO, outlined the State’s long-term industrial roadmap under the Chief Minister’s Vision 2050.

He highlighted Jharkhand’s transition from an extraction-led economy to a value-driven industrial ecosystem, with a focus on establishing downstream industries for mineral processing and refining, electric vehicle components, magnets and electric battery technologies. He emphasised that such integrated industrial clusters would enable the State to retain value locally, attract manufacturing investments, and strengthen India’s clean energy supply chains.

Knowledge, Skills and Institutional Capacity

Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Director of the Global Supply Chain Observatory at the University of Cambridge, noted that resources alone are not enough to ensure competitiveness. He stressed the importance of specialised skills, research partnerships, and institutional capacity to help Jharkhand integrate into global value chains and translate mineral wealth into sustainable economic outcomes.

International Expert Perspectives on Technology, Risk and Sustainability

International experts Mr Dennis, Mr Lucas, Mr Ben, and Mr Martin shared technical and market insights on the evolving global critical minerals landscape. They highlighted the need for diversified and resilient supply chains, advanced exploration technologies, and clear policy frameworks to reduce investor risk.

They also emphasised that strong environmental and governance standards, along with responsible mining practices, are increasingly critical to attracting global capital and long-term partnerships.

Policy Framework and Timely Development

In his closing remarks, Shri Prashant Kumar, Secretary, Finance, Government of Jharkhand, underscored the importance of creating the right policy framework to enable exploration, extraction, and processing of critical minerals in a time-bound and globally competitive manner.

He highlighted the need for regulatory clarity, efficient approvals, and competitive pricing. He proposed unlocking the potential of brownfield mining projects for early operationalisation, given that many critical minerals occur alongside existing deposits. His remarks reinforced the State’s focus on combining policy readiness with swift execution.

Showcasing Jharkhand’s Mineral Landscape

As part of the session, the Government of Jharkhand screened a short film showcasing the Critical Minerals Landscape and Opportunities in Jharkhand, presenting the State’s geological strengths and industrial potential to the global audience.

A coffee table book on critical minerals in Jharkhand was also unveiled, capturing the State’s resource endowment and long-term vision for leveraging these strengths to support India’s energy security and industrial growth.

A Young State with a Global Vision

As Jharkhand marks 25 years of statehood, the State is entering a new phase of transformation, evolving from a resource supplier to a globally integrated hub for sustainable industrialisation.

Guided by the philosophy of “Growth in Harmony with Nature,” Jharkhand continues to position itself as a responsible, investment-ready partner in the global critical minerals ecosystem, ensuring that its natural wealth translates into long-term economic growth, livelihoods, and national energy security.