IRLi 2025 - Brings Together Global Leaders to Drive Innovation in Rare Earths and Lithium
The Critical Minerals Association (CMA) India hosted the IRLi 2025 (Innovation in Rare Earths and Lithium) summit on October 9-10, 2025, in Bengaluru. The event brought together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss advancements in critical minerals like rare earth elements and lithium, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and India’s self-reliance in the clean energy sector. Key figures like the Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, were in attendance.
Event Overview
What: IRLi 2025, a summit focused on innovation in critical minerals, specifically rare earth elements (REE) and lithium.
Who: Policymakers, global experts, scientists, industry leaders, and innovators.
When: October 9-10, 2025.
Where: The Capitol Hotel in Bengaluru, India.
Theme: “Innovation for a Sustainable Future”. vulnerability of supply chains that depend on them
Day 1 - Coverage
- Advanced Exploration & Sustainable Mining of REE
- Innovation in Exraction Technology for REE
- Technology Development for RE Magnets
- Recycling of Rare Earths
Day 2 - Coverage
- Integrated Exploration of Li, Ni, Co, Cu & Graphite
- Development of Extraction Technologies for Lithium
- Recycling of Li-ion batteries
- Workforce Innovation, Diversity and Inclusion
Key discussions and highlights
1. India’s leadership
The event aimed to drive India’s growing leadership in the critical minerals and clean energy ecosystem.
2. Clean technology
Discussions centered on advancements in REE and lithium, which are crucial for clean technologies and battery storage.
3. Government commitment
Dignitaries from the Ministry of Mines emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable exploration and domestic value creation in critical minerals.
4. Ministerial address
Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi addressed the summit, highlighting India’s roadmap for renewable energy and self-reliance.
5. Innovation focus
The summit emphasized the need for accelerated domestic research and technology innovation in critical mineral processing and extraction.
Innovation for a Sustainable Future - IRLi 2025 Highlights
1. Dignitaries and Chief Guests
The inaugural session on October 9th featured the presence of dignitaries from the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, as Guests of Honour, who emphasized the nation’s commitment to sustainable exploration, responsible mining, and domestic value creation in critical minerals.
The Hon’ble Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, will join the event on October 10th, 2025, to address industry leaders and highlight India’s roadmap for renewable energy and self-reliance in critical minerals.
“India’s critical minerals strategy is central to its energy transition goals. IRLi serves as a vital forum for connecting industry and policy toward building a sustainable and secure resource future,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Mines during the opening session.
2. Keynote Address
Delivering the keynote speech, Dr. Deependra Singh, Former Chairman and Managing Director, IREL (India) Limited, highlighted the need to accelerate domestic research and technology innovation in rare earth processing and lithium extraction.
“India must take a leadership role not only in exploration but also in advanced processing and application of critical minerals. Innovation will define our future competitiveness,” said Dr. Singh.
3. Title Sponsor – Flytta: Powering India’s Clean Energy Future
The summit is proudly supported by FLYTTA, the Title Sponsor for IRLi 2025.
Flytta, led by its visionary Founder and CEO Mr. Rahul Kanuganti, is at the forefront of India’s sustainable logistics and electric mobility transformation.
The company recently unveiled India’s first retrofitted 13-ton electric truck for heavy-duty applications — a breakthrough in green supply chain innovation aligned with the nation’s net-zero commitments.
“At Flytta, we believe in integrating technology with responsibility. IRLi 2025 is a crucial platform to unite innovators and policymakers working toward a cleaner, greener, and self-reliant India,” said Mr. Rahul Kanuganti, CEO, Flytta.
4. Event Highlights
The summit brings together more than 200 delegates and 25+ industry experts from across India and abroad.
Key sessions at IRLi 2025 include:
- Advanced exploration and sustainable mining of REE and Lithium
- Innovation in extraction technology for critical minerals
- Development of rare earth magnets and lithium-ion recycling systems
- Diversity, inclusion, and workforce innovation in the minerals sector
Conclusion: About IRLi 2025
IRLi (Innovation in Rare Earths and Lithium) is a premier industry platform designed to promote research, collaboration, and leadership in the field of critical minerals and clean energy technologies.
The summit fosters dialogue between government, academia, and industry to accelerate India’s transition to a self-reliant and sustainable future through innovation in rare earth and lithium development.
About CMA India
The Critical Minerals Association (CMA India) is a national organization dedicated to fostering responsible mining, exploration, and innovation in India’s critical minerals sector. By uniting key stakeholders from government, research institutions, and industry, CMA India aims to strengthen India’s strategic capabilities in critical materials essential for clean energy, defense, and technology-driven industries.