India intends to secure a status as a global leader in technologies such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and semiconductor. In relation to this intention, potential minerals and special chemicals are necessary.
GOI has recently launched the National Important Mineral Mission to secure the supply of lithium, cobalt and rare earth and encouraged the domestic processing of batteries and semiconductor chemicals.
Therefore, Indian startups have a generation to industrially position the country and catch new development sectors. Entrepreneurs in the processing of significant minerals, battery-grade chemicals and semiconductors, and the related supply chains are standing to gain both profit and prominence globally.
Read More: Starting an E-Rickshaw Assembling Business in India
Market approach for important minerals and chemicals
In relation to global geopolitics, India’s annual request to reduce India’s import dependence is strengthening. Recently published (August 26, 2025) India reports claimed that we still import 95% of our lithium-ion battery, while Cobalt is imported from DRC and Australia and Chile and China.
According to a market study, the demand for global battery is expected to increase by 5X by 2030.
Therefore, India needs to increase its domestic investigation, processing and refinement of important minerals. The National Critical Mineral Mission acts as a starting point for this shift. It enables the development of a resource and price chain.
Semiconductor and Battery Chemical Market Mobility
How does increasing demand give rise to the need for the essential minerals and chemicals across India?
To begin with, the *export volumes (EV)* is expected to reach along with the *40% CAGR* by *2030*, thus increasing the need for lithium and cobalt.
Next, the *ultra-pure chemicals* for the *ten billion dollar semiconductor* initiative of the government are also needed.
Besides, the *renewable* energy initiative enhances the need for the *rare* earth magnets and *energy* storage systems.
To wrap up, the *composition of* imports and the *supply* chain also emphasizes the need for local production. All of these factors combined explain the dependency on imports.
Read More: Building a Rare Earth Metals Business: Key Insights
Forecasting and global market capacity
By the year 2030, India is expected to demand more than 250,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate and India; Cobalt demand can reach 30,000 tonnes on an annual basis.
There will also be an increased demand for nickel sulfate due to EVS and stainless steel production. Globally, the market for important minerals is expected to grow at a rate of 7-9% CAGR.
Thus, a company that sets up a lithium hydroxide plant, cobalt sulfate production, or units that produce chemical semiconductor ultra-pure-grade, which is better to supply both domestic and international customers in Asia, Africa and Europe.
Read Our Book: Click Here
Outline of the Manufacturing Process
Entrepreneurs must understand the following stages to streamline the processing of these resources:
- Lithium processing: Spodumene ores are cool, then leaching with sulfuric acid, and lithium is converted into hydroxide or lithium carbonate. Alternatively, lithium can be obtained from salt through solar evaporation and chemical conversion.
- Cobalt processing: Recover the cobalt by mining with copper and nickel, and then cobalt sulfate is refined by solvent extraction and rainfall to get cobalt sulfate.
- Nickel processing: purify the nickel from sulfide ores contained in smelter and nickel sulfate: electric vehicle battery.
- Chemicals for semiconductors: High-purity-solvents and agents such as hydrochloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and photoreceptors are obtained through high-purity advanced techniques.
Each step is demanding in terms of state -of -the -art technology, environmental rules and compliance with capital. Nevertheless, knowing the industry ensures that startups can take advantage of high-value markets.
Read More: Rare Earth Magnet Production Opportunities in India
Opportunities for entrepreneurs
India’s intensification of self -shaping permits the following opportunities for startups.
- Lithium refining and battery chemical plants.
- Units for recycling lithium-ion batteries to recover cobalt, lithium, and nickel.
- Plants for semiconductor chemicals for high purity solvent and chemicals.
- Special chemicals and battery-grade input for export.
- A synergistic joint venture with local firms and foreign technology partners for capability enhancement.
Challenges and risk mitigation
Although there are a myriad of possibilities, the expanse is still capital heavy and multifaceted. Start up companies experience the hefty price of raw materials, technical barriers and there are always the risks.
Furthermore, the vast environmental policy framework increasing the compliance cost. In order to overcome these challenges, entrepreneurs need to do the following:
- Explore the government subsidy and support under the National Important Mineral Mission.
- Joint ventures with international mining and chemical companies.
- Allocate funds to the disruptive technologies like bio-leaching and green solvents.
- Capture the downstream integration into CTTHE cathode or anode for the high margin.
Read Our Project Report: Click Here
How NPC supports entrepreneurs
In NIIR Project Consultancy Services (NPCs) we empower entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into the reality of systematically important industries. We have developed a survey cum a detailed technical and economic feasibility report, which covers almost all possible scenarios of the projects.
We have in-house expertise in designing the manufacturing process and estimating the requirement of raw materials, layout of the plant, selection of machines, overall finances and profitability of the whole project.
Through NPCS support, the entrepreneurs will be able to mitigate the uncertainties that inform the project, capitalize on the governmental bounty and focus on the value-holding minerals and semiconductor chemical.
Find the Best Idea for Yourself With our Startup Selector Tool
Conclusion: Capturing strategic mineral opportunities
India’s capability for semiconductor and battery self-sufficiency hinges on its ability to unlock various important minerals and chemicals. Existing startups can now venture into lithium refining, cobalt processing, and semiconductor chemical production.
Entrepreneurs, with strong policy backing, robust demand projections, and expert guidance from NPC, can position themselves at the core of industrial transformation and help secure global technology supply.
Critical minerals startup opportunities India: FAQS
Q1: Out of all the minerals, which ones do you think are the most important for India to pursue to accelerate battery and semiconductor production?
Lithium, cobalt, nickel and the rare earth minerals are the most crucial.
Q2: What is the assistance available to startups in this area?
The National Important Mineral Mission Policy provides assistance, subsidy, and investigative incentives.
Q3: Is it possible for startups to engage in recycling instead of mining?
Yes, recycling lithium-ion batteries for cobalt, nickel, and lithium offers low barriers to entry and quick returns.
Q4: What do you think is the most significant obstacle for a new entrant?
The sector requires significant capital, advanced technologies, and high compliance with environmental standards.
Q5: What can NPCs do to help entrepreneurs with important minerals?
The NPCS conducts feasibility studies, provides guidance for processing and financial structuring for the installation of workable important minerals projects.