CIL keen on acquiring critical minerals in India, abroad

New Delhi: Coal India Ltd (CIL) on Wednesday said it is actively pursuing acquisition of critical minerals, including lithium, in the domestic market and overseas and stressed that it would continue to take part in the auction of such blocks.

Critical minerals, including lithium, play a crucial role in the production of clean energy technologies, from wind turbines to electric cars. They are particularly in demand for the production of batteries for electric cars.

“With an objective to reduce the import dependence of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, CIL is actively pursuing acquisition of these mineral assets in India and abroad,” Coal India Ltd Chairman P M Prasad said during 50th Annual General Meeting of the company. CIL, he said, will continue to participate in e-auction of critical mineral blocks offered by the mines ministry.