Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: Coal India Limited (CIL), the world’s largest coal producer, is actively pursuing the acquisition of critical minerals, including lithium, both domestically and overseas, according to Chairman P M Prasad. The company is committed to reducing India’s reliance on imported critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, essential components in clean energy technologies and electric vehicle batteries.
Speaking at the 50th Annual General Meeting, Prasad emphasized CIL’s ongoing participation in e-auctions of critical mineral blocks offered by the Ministry of Mines. The company recently secured its first non-coal mineral asset by emerging as the preferred bidder for the Khattali Chotti graphite block in Madhya Pradesh’s Alirajpur district. This acquisition marks CIL’s foray into the non-coal mineral mining sector.
“The successful bid for the Khattali Chotti block, achieved under tranche-II forward auction on July 9, is a significant milestone for CIL as we diversify into critical minerals,” Prasad stated.
CIL’s broader vision remains focused on ensuring the country’s self-reliance in coal supply while also exploring opportunities in critical minerals. The company currently contributes around 80 percent of India’s coal production and is dedicated to maintaining and increasing the supply of quality coal at fair prices to support the nation’s energy needs.
