Coal India emerged as the preferred bidder for a rare earth exploration block
Coal India Limited has been declared the preferred bidder for the Ontillu-Chandragiri Rare Earth Element (REE) exploration block in Andhra Pradesh by the Ministry of Mines, marking a major milestone in the company’s strategic diversification into critical minerals. The block, spanning 209.62 square kilometers, gives Coal India the opportunity to explore for rare earth elements that are vital for India’s clean energy, electronics, renewable energy, and defense industries. This move aligns with the nation’s efforts to build self-reliance in crucial minerals, expand domestic supply chains, and support future technologies beyond traditional fossil fuels.
Coal India Limited (CIL) has been declared the preferred bidder for the Ontillu-Chandragiri Rare Earth Element (REE) exploration block in Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step in its diversification beyond coal mining. Awarded by the Ministry of Mines, the block spans 209.62 square kilometers and gives CIL a license to explore for rare earth minerals—materials that are critical for high-tech industries, renewable energy, electronics, and defense applications.
This move follows the government’s push under the National Critical Mineral Mission to expand domestic production of strategic minerals
such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, vanadium, and rare earths. CIL has committed to executing the exploration license deed within
one year of receiving the state government’s Letter of Intent. By entering the rare earth sector, Coal India aims to reduce India’s import
dependency and help build resilient supply chains for minerals essential in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
CIL’s successful bid and planned exploration activities highlight its strategic intent to support national energy transition goals,
participate in future-facing minerals markets, and diversify its corporate portfolio in line with global sustainability trends.
Coal India Limited (CIL) has been declared the preferred bidder for the Ontillu-Chandragiri Rare Earth Element (REE) exploration block in Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step in its diversification beyond coal mining. Awarded by the Ministry of Mines, the block spans 209.62 square kilometers and gives CIL a license to explore for rare earth minerals—materials that are critical for high-tech industries, renewable energy, electronics, and defense applications.
This move follows the government’s push under the National Critical Mineral Mission to expand domestic production of strategic minerals
such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, vanadium, and rare earths. CIL has committed to executing the exploration license deed within
one year of receiving the state government’s Letter of Intent. By entering the rare earth sector, Coal India aims to reduce India’s import
dependency and help build resilient supply chains for minerals essential in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
CIL’s successful bid and planned exploration activities highlight its strategic intent to support national energy transition goals,
participate in future-facing minerals markets, and diversify its corporate portfolio in line with global sustainability trends.