New Delhi: Coal India Limited (CIL) has joined hands with the Government of Madhya Pradesh to explore and develop critical minerals in the state.

An official statement said that Coal India, the Mineral Resources Department of Madhya Pradesh (through the Directorate of Geology and Mining), and the Madhya Pradesh State Mining Corporation Limited signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 23 in Katni, Madhya Pradesh.

The agreement focuses on cooperation in the field of exploration and exploitation of critical minerals along with other minerals of mutual interest. The signing was part of the "Madhya Pradesh Mining Conclave 2.0" and was attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav.

The partnership comes as Coal India looks to diversify its operations beyond coal while supporting India’s efforts to secure supply chains for critical minerals. These minerals play a key role in renewable energy, electric mobility, electronics, and defence manufacturing.

BI Bureau