Ranchi, 20 June 2024 — The Task Force-Sustainable Just Transition (Government of Jharkhand) and its technical partner, the Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED), released a groundbreaking report titled “Critical Minerals for Energy Transition: A Catalyst for Making Jharkhand Future-Ready” at a conference today. The report, prepared by Task Force and CEED, highlights the significance of critical minerals in accelerating initiatives for decarbonization and cleaner energy transition for shaping a sustainable future.

The report was unveiled by the Chairman of the State Finance Commission (GoJ) and senior officials from the Departments of Industries, Mines & Geology in the presence of key representatives from public sector undertakings, energy think tanks and civil society organizations.

Critical minerals often referred to as rare earth elements and other strategic minerals, play an indispensable role in the production of a diverse range of high-tech applications, including electronics, renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, defence systems, and advanced medical devices.

Lauding the key theme of the report, Mr. A.P. Singh (IAS, retd.), Chairman of the State Finance Commission, Government of Jharkhand emphasised that the worldwide transition to cleaner energy sources is heavily reliant on the responsible extraction of critical minerals and efficient resource management. Identifying and utilizing mineral-rich regions like Jharkhand can catalyze industrial development, opening avenues for investments, employment opportunities, and infrastructural growth.

Through an exhaustive review of the literature and international case studies, the report broadly explores 35 critical minerals, with a focused analysis of 17 pivotal to India’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. Moving ahead, the report further analyses the case of Jharkhand, which houses deposits of 12 critical minerals, particularly copper, nickel, graphite, silicon, cobalt, lithium, cadmium, titanium, gallium, selenium, etc.

Elaborating on the broader context of the report, Mr. A.K. Rastogi (IFS, retd.), Chairperson of the Task Force-Sustainable Just Transition, Jharkhand, emphasized that the transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable energy landscape relies heavily on critical minerals. Similarly, the report highlights Jharkhand’s importance to India’s energy independence and robust supply network. The study further notes the potential to stimulate growth, and innovation in clean energy technologies, attract investments, and create jobs in Jharkhand.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sashi Ranjan (IAS), Director – Mines, Department of Mines and Geology, Jharkhand, spoke about the state’s mining capabilities and infrastructure support in meeting the heightened demand and contributing significantly to India’s goals. Shri Sushant Gaurav (IAS), Director, Department of Industries, Jharkhand, stressed the need for research & development and investment in broadening a cleaner industrial base.

Lauding the effort taken by the state government on cleaner energy transition, Mr. Ramapati Kumar, CEO of CEED stated that the report marks a pivotal step towards enabling Jharkhand to become future-ready. He further noted that balancing industrial exploitation with environmental preservation remains a key challenge that requires meticulous planning and effective governance with a convergence approach.

The two-panel discussions witnessed the participation of senior government officials and leading experts, including Shri Inderdev Narayan(CMD-Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd.), Shri Manoj Kumar (Director – Geology, Dept. of Mines and Geology), Shri K.K. Verma, Director, JREDA, Mr. Achyut Ghatak (Director-Technical, CMPDI), Dr. Niharika Tagotra (Senior Research Specialist, World Resources Institute), Shri Charith Konda (Energy Specialist, IEEFA), Dr. Manish Ram (Director – Climate & Energy, CEED), Shri Ashwani Ashok (Director – JT & Environment, CEED), Shri Siddharth Goel (Lead, Energy Program, International Institute for Sustainable Development), and Shri Apoorv Kulkarni, Head of Research, OMI Foundation.

The key ideas and suggestions that emanated from the discussions were; standardizing regulations, overcoming technological and economic barriers, conducting techno-commercial feasible studies, efficient mineral resource management, sharing technologies and know-how, attracting investment in research and development to improve extraction techniques, sustainable mining practices to mitigate impacts, developing efficient recycling methods with a circular economy approach, supply chain stability, and shift to sustainable energy solutions, etc.

Ranchi, 16 February 2024: The conference ‘Sustainable Transition for Future-Ready Jharkhand’ culminated with a resounding call to synchronize efforts towards a just transition alongside achieving inclusive social development goals. The convergence of over 300 delegates spanning government officials, thought leaders, industry representatives and sustainability experts from 30 countries yielded pivotal recommendations. These include creating institutional financing mechanisms for driving transition measures, securing climate finance to propel green growth, fostering an enabling ecosystem to drive innovation, and nurturing partnerships across diverse stakeholders.

The event was organised by the Task Force on Sustainable Just Transition, Govt of Jharkhand with support from Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (India) and the World Resources Institute (India).

Addressing the conclave, Mr. Avinash Kumar (IAS), Development Commissioner & Additional Chief Secretary, Dept. of Energy (Govt. of Jharkhand) highlighted the critical need to embrace green growth through energy transition for advancement of inclusive future. He laid emphasis on delicately balancing societal expectations, environment preservation, and economic advancement in the transition process. He also suggested creating an institutional mechanism for sustainable transition. He assured that the state government will earnestly consider the recommendations from the conference to make these integral part of future course of actions.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajoy Kumar Singh (IAS), Principal Secretary, Dept. of Health, Medical Education & Family Welfare (Govt. of Jharkhand) pointed out that the sustainable transition process in Jharkhand requires the procurement of climate finance to create new economic opportunities, build social infrastructure, drive technological innovations and inclusive development.

Ms. Vandana Dadel (IAS) Principal Secretary, Dept. of Forest, Environment & Climate Change (Govt. of Jharkhand) noted that sustainability and inclusivity are the core tenets of sustainable transition. Decentralised planning right from the panchayat level, inclusion of the indigenous knowledge in climate resilience measures and capacitation of community and multiple stakeholders are key to a shared journey towards transition.

While outlining the outcomes, Mr. A.K. Rastogi (IFS, Retd.), Chairperson, Task Force-Sustainable Just Transition (Govt. of Jharkhand) stressed that it has become abundantly clear that we are on the cusp of a profound shift towards a green economy. As outcomes, the conference has fostered collaborations, shared knowledge and laid emphasis on developing an institution mechanism for sustainable transition and creating a dedicated transition fund for accelerating future directions. Conference further put emphasis on creating a knowledge hub and a centre of excellence in Jharkhand. Now the need of the hour is to mobilize resources & expertise, undertake new pilot projects, enhance capacitations to meet the state’s goals.

Notable dignitaries from key departments & agencies who shared perspectives were: Mr. Aboobacker Siddique P. (IAS) Secretary, Dept. of Mines & Geology; Mr. Jitendra Kumar Singh (IAS), Secretary, Dept. of Industries; Mr. Arwa Rajkamal (IAS), Secretary, Dept. of ST, SC, Minority & Backward Class Welfare; Mr. Amit Kumar (IAS), Director, State Urban Development Agency, Jharkhand; Ms. Madhavi Mishra (IAS), Managing Director, Jharkhand Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation; Ms. Deepthi Jayaraj (IRS), Special Secretary, Department of Finance; and Mr. Sanjiv Kumar (IFS), APCCF-CAMPA, Jharkhand, etc.

Mr Ramapati Kumar, CEO of CEED highlighted that in light of the learnings from Global North and South, Jharkhand is developing cross-sectoral pathways and transition roadmaps to contribute in global effort on climate action. He further emphasized the necessity of inter-sectoral convergence and partnerships among key actors & enablers to facilitate a strategic shift for benefiting the people at the bottom of the pyramid.

The second day witnessed plenary and thematic sessions on ‘Driving Coal Transition: Avenues for Economic Diversification, Repurposing and Social Protection, Envisioning a Decarbonised Tomorrow: Pathways to the Low-Carbon Futures, Revolutionising Transport: Steering Towards a Sustainable Mobility, and Climate Finance: Levers and Drivers for Greening the Economy.

With representation from stakeholders including influential figures across the globe, public sector undertakings, industries and civil society underscored the creation of enabling policy atmosphere and investment frameworks to shape the journey towards sustainable transition.

The collaborative dialogue witnessed active participation from esteemed delegates representing a diverse array of organizations, including UNDP India, WRI India, the World Bank, International Labour Organization, Coal India Ltd., Central Coalfields Ltd., Steel Authority India Ltd., National Thermal Power Corporation, National Productivity Council, Indian Institute of Forest Management, GIZ-India, Open Energy Transition-Germany, International Council on Clean Transportation, International Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), iFOREST Global, The Climate Group, India Climate Collaborative, Climate Policy Institute, Climate Bond Initiative, among others.

Ranchi, 15 February 2024: In a bid to bolster Jharkhand’s efforts for sustainable transition, a two-day international conference ‘Sustainable Transition for Future-Ready Jharkhand : Global Perspectives & Learnings for Climate Resilient Growth’ commenced today, aiming to integrate global best practices locally. Organised by the Task Force on Sustainable Just Transition (Govt. of Jharkhand), with support from its technical partner Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) and in association with United Nations Development Program (UNDP-India) and World Resources Institute (WRI-India), this landmark event gathered luminaries from across the globe. The conference also witnessed the launching of the official website of the Task Force.

The conference witnessed the confluence of leaders and renowned experts from multilateral organizations, philanthropies, industries, alongside experts hailing from about thirty nations, including influential voices from Japan, USA, Germany, South Africa, South Korea, Indonesia. etc. With esteemed representation of senior officials from central and state government departments & agencies— notably from Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, and Jharkhand—the discourse is poised to chart decisive pathways for sustainable just transition at subnational level.

Key dignitaries, Mr L. Khiangte (IAS), Chief Secretary, Govt. of Jharkhand; Mr. A.K. Rastogi (IFS, retd.), Chairperson, Task Force-Sustainable Just Transition (Govt. of Jharkhand); Mr. Manoj Singh (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Dept. of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh; Mr. Sundeep Nayak (IAS, Retd.), Former Director General, National Productivity Council (India); Mr. S. Suresh Kumar (IAS), Chairman, Damodar Valley Corporation; Dr Sanjay Srivastava (IFS), PCCF & HoFF, Jharkhand; Mr. Sanjay Srivastava (IFS), PCCF, Uttar Pradesh; Dr D.K. Saxena (IFS), APCCF, Jharkhand; Mr. Ashish Tiwari (IFS), Secretary, Dept. of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh; Mr. S. Rakesh Kumar (IFS), Director, Dept. of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir and Ms. Isabelle Tschan, Resident Representative, UNDP-India, among others graced the occasion.

Addressing the august gathering, Mr L. Khiangte (IAS), Chief Secretary, Govt. of Jharkhand underscored the profound significance of sustainable transition as a catalyst for holistic advancement. Emphasizing no one is left behind in the transition phase, he outlined the need for multi-stakeholder collaborations and partnership. He further affirmed the state’s commitment to steering Jharkhand towards a green economy and strengthening India’s journey towards climate goals and net-zero target.

Further elucidating the objectives of the conference, Mr. A.K. Rastogi (IFS, retd.), Chairperson, Task Force-Sustainable Just Transition (Govt. of Jharkhand) marked this conference as a monumental milestone, offering a comprehensive array of multi-sectoral strategies on environmental, social, gender and economic considerations. He further added that the initiative adopts a proactive, opportunity-driven lens to acknowledge Jharkhand’s potential in realising climate-compatible growth, setting a precedent for transformative action worldwide.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Manoj Singh (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Govt. of Uttar Pradesh) pointed out that Jharkhand has become a beacon for other states by outlining the sustainable transition strategies. For envisioning a climate compatible decarbonised tomorrow, embracing low-carbon innovations and transformative strategies are paramount.

Addressing the conference, Ms. Isabelle Tschan, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Program (UNDP-India) laid emphasis on creating knowledge sharing platforms and bringing in tech know-how on innovative and game changing technologies to bolster clean energy infrastructure, investment and alternative livelihood for benefiting the state and community at the last mile.

While lauding the state’s initiative, Mr Ramapati Kumar, CEO of CEED emphasised its role in fostering a collaborative forum where the finest global ideas converge, poised for replication at the subnational level to yield tangible results. Mr. Kumar further underscored the need of climate governance approach for creating conducive policy atmosphere, financial mechanisms and onboarding stakeholders to achieve state’s goals on climate resilience and energy security.

Spread over two days, the conference has been split into thematic sessions to explore the multifaceted aspects of transition. The first day witnessed plenary and thematic sessions on ‘Progress Towards Climate Goals and Net-Zero : Best Practices & Learnings from Global South & North, Sustainable Energy Transitions: Envisaging the Strategic Shift; Socially Inclusive Livelihood Transition : Capacitation and Community Participation for Greener Jobs. Senior officials from various departments such as Energy, Planning & Development, Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Industries, Agriculture, Transport, Labour, Training & Employment also shared insights in sessions.

The expected outcome of the conference are knowledge sharing of global best practices and experiences of transitions from Global North and South; discuss socio-economic impacts of low-carbon strategies for maximizing co-benefits; foster collaboration and partnership between actors and enablers to drive the paradigmatic shift and explore policy frameworks to strengthen capacity and governance for implementation of strategies.

The collaborative dialogue witnessed active participation of high level delegates from the UNDP India, WRI India, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, International Labour Organisation, Coal India Ltd., Central Coalfields Ltd., Steel Authority India Ltd, National Thermal Power Corporation, National Productivity Council, Indian Institute of Forest Management, MacArthur Foundation, Stitching SED Fund, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, GIZ-India, Open Energy Transition-Germany, International Council on Clean Transportation, International Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), The Climate Group, India Climate Collaborative, Climate Policy Institute, Climate Bond Initiative, BEST-Maharastra, among others.