Metals & Mining
Exclusive mines for women staff to be set up: Union Minister Kishan Reddy
Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy announced the establishment of exclusive mines run entirely by women within the next year. Aiming to enhance their participation, he is set to discuss this with Prime Minister Modi. The announcement was made during an event celebrating women's contributions to the mining sector ahead of Women's Day.
Hopeful that India will be able to meet demand for lithium internally in 3-4 years: Reddy
Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy expressed optimism that India would meet its critical mineral demand, such as lithium, domestically within three to four years. He highlighted the National Critical Mineral Mission's efforts and the approval of Rs 32,000 crore for this initiative. GSI's role in exploration and collaboration with Argentina on lithium is crucial for the mission's success.
Coal India sets 788 MT production, 765 MT offtake for FY'25; rules out price cut
Coal India Limited (CIL) expects to produce 788 million tonnes of coal and achieve an offtake of 765 million tonnes for the fiscal year ending March 2025. Production and offtake are expected to grow modestly this year due to improved rake availability after discussions with the Railways.
Northern Coalfields' Rs 24,000-crore 'R&R' project to begin soon; additional charge to recover cost
NCL will soon commence its Rs 24,000-crore rehabilitation and resettlement project in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, to relocate around 50,000 people and 22,500 houses. The project aims to expand the Jayant coal mine. NCL plans to levy an additional charge on coal sales to recover costs.
Hindustan Zinc on track to double metal production to 2 MTPA in 5 years: Chairperson Priya Agarwal Hebbar
Hindustan Zinc plans to double its metal production capacity to two million tonnes per annum by 2030. The company is expanding into critical minerals and has advanced digitalized operations. Current capacity stands at 1.1 MTPA. They reported a 32% rise in net profit for the last quarter of 2024. Hindustan Zinc is the second-largest zinc producer globally.
Coal India arm NCL hopes to achieve production target of 139 MT for FY25
Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL), a major Coal India subsidiary, remains on track to meet its production target of 139 million tonnes for the current fiscal, having already produced 128.13 million tonnes by February. Additionally, NCL has launched a significant first aid training program for homemakers to foster a primary-care-conscious community and enhance preparedness.
Coal India's production drops marginally in February
State-owned Coal India Ltd saw a slight 0.9 percent decrease in coal production this February compared to the same month last year. However, production from April to February rose to 695.3 million tonnes, up from 685.1 million tonnes last year. The government aims to sustain this positive momentum through infrastructure development and operational efficiencies.
Imported coal power plants told to run full capacity till April 30
India has extended the mandate for imported coal-fired power plants to operate at full capacity until the end of April due to high demand for electricity. The power ministry expects electricity demand to rise to 270 GW in the upcoming summer season, driven by high temperatures and heatwaves.
India exploring critical minerals in Zambia, Congo and Australia, official says
India is exploring opportunities to mine critical minerals such as lithium in Zambia, Congo, Tanzania, and Australia. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports for energy transition technologies. Additionally, India has identified 20 essential minerals and allocated significant funds to develop the critical minerals sector.
State governments should not tax minerals excessively, says Kishan Reddy
Union Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy urged state governments to refrain from imposing higher taxes on minerals, as it would increase the cost of steel and cement for consumers. Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao supported this stance, emphasizing the need for a stable tax regime and minimising the impact of global sanctions on Indian metal producers.
Must Watch
India extends deadline for offshore mineral blocks' bidding
India has extended the deadline for bidding on offshore mineral blocks by one month. In November, the country launched an auction for 13 offshore mineral blocks valued at over 1.5 trillion rupees ($17.20 billion). The official did not disclose further details as the notification has not yet been made public.
Critical minerals recovery from processing waste will need multipronged strategy: Report
India needs a comprehensive strategy, including policy reforms, technological advancements, and supply chain integration, to recover critical minerals from processing waste. The recovery of these minerals is essential due to their importance in clean energy, electric vehicles, and defense, helping reduce import dependence and promote sustainable mining.
Mines ministry aims for 115 mineral block auctions by FY25, but slow approvals delay operationalisation
The mines ministry has successfully auctioned 100 mineral blocks this financial year, aiming for 15 more by year-end, potentially surpassing the 105 blocks auctioned last year. Although auctions are progressing rapidly, operationalizing the mines is lagging due to slow state approvals.
Hindalco to invest Rs 15,000 cr in Madhya Pradesh to expand aluminium smelting capacity
Hindalco Industries plans to invest Rs 15,000 crore in Madhya Pradesh over the next two years, enhancing its footprint in the region. This investment was announced during the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2025, with expansions expected to boost local employment and economic growth.
CIL's subsidiary Western Coalfields bids for 2 coal blocks in 11th tranche of auction
Western Coalfields Ltd, a Coal India subsidiary, bids for two non-coking coal blocks in Maharashtra, marking its first participation in commercial coal block auctions. Winning these blocks could optimize operations with minimal capex. The company's 2025 production is expected to be flat at 69 million tonnes, facing challenges like high stripping ratios and limited reserves.
Govt classifies barytes, felspar, mica, quartz as major minerals
The government has reclassified barytes, felspar, mica, and quartz as major minerals to boost exploration and scientific mining. This move aims to enhance the extraction of critical minerals associated with these resources. Existing leases' periods will be extended, and revenue will continue to accrue to state governments. A transition period until June 30 is provided.
