Johannesburg, South Africa – At the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, India has proposed a comprehensive plan to foster a circular economy for critical minerals and enhance global access to satellite data, particularly for countries in the Global South. These initiatives, put forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aim to promote sustainability, resource efficiency, and international cooperation in key sectors.
Recognizing the crucial role of critical minerals in clean energy technologies and global growth, India is championing the G20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative. This initiative seeks to drive innovation in areas such as recycling, urban mining, and the development of second-life battery applications. By investing in circularity, the plan aims to reduce dependence on primary mining, thereby easing pressure on supply chains and mitigating environmental impacts. The initiative also envisions joint research, the establishment of common technology standards, and the creation of pilot recycling facilities in the Global South. This approach aligns with the G20's broader commitment to responsible and sustainable mineral value chains.
The proposal builds upon four key principles that were suggested at the Indian G20 in 2023. These include a dedication to dependable, responsible, and sustainable value chains, collaboration regarding alternative technologies and minerals, the creation of value and beneficiation at the source through technology sharing and skills development, and expanding the recovery and reuse of critical minerals.
In addition to the circularity initiative, India is advocating for the G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership. This partnership aims to make satellite data and analysis from G20 space agencies more accessible, interoperable, and beneficial, especially for countries in the Global South. The shared data would focus on agriculture, disaster-related information and fishing. The initiative recognizes the potential of space technology to benefit all of humanity by improving resource management, disaster preparedness, and various other applications.
These proposals reflect India's commitment to sustainability and clean energy. They also align with the summit's theme of "Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability," and South Africa's focus on harnessing critical minerals for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The G20's role in governing critical mineral supply chains is seen as vital for preventing politically driven market failures and fostering cooperation for the global energy transition. South Africa's presidency of the G20 has prioritized critical minerals within the task force on inclusive economic growth, employment, industrialization, and reduced inequality.
Furthermore, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Modi announced the launch of the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership. This trilateral initiative aims to deepen cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and artificial intelligence among the three nations. The partnership will leverage the strengths of each country, with a focus on green energy innovation and building resilient supply chains for critical minerals.
These initiatives underscore India's proactive role in shaping the global agenda on critical minerals and sustainable development, fostering collaboration among nations to ensure a secure and equitable future.
