Coal India Ltd (CIL) announced on Wednesday that it is actively pursuing the acquisition of critical minerals such as lithium, both within India and internationally, as part of its strategy to reduce the country's dependence on imports of these essential resources. Critical minerals, including lithium and cobalt, are key components in the production of clean energy technologies, especially in batteries for electric vehicles.
CIL Chairman P M Prasad stated during the company's 50th Annual General Meeting that the company aims to secure these mineral assets to support India’s shift towards sustainable energy. Additionally, CIL will continue participating in the e-auction of critical mineral blocks offered by the Ministry of Mines.
CIL recently took a significant step into non-coal mining by emerging as the preferred bidder for the Khattali Chotti graphite block in Madhya Pradesh during a tranche-II auction held by the Ministry of Mines on July 9. This marks CIL's first venture into mining non-coal minerals.
Prasad emphasized CIL’s commitment to ensuring sufficient coal supply for the country while also working towards greater self-reliance in fuel and mineral resources.
