NLC India Ltd is actively considering the potential of mining critical minerals, particularly lithium, and plans to participate in the upcoming auction of mining blocks. This announcement aligns with the ongoing government auction of critical minerals in the country.

NLC India's Chairman and Managing Director, Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, expressed the company's interest, stating, "NLC India has a strong foundation in mining. We have been involved in mining operations since 1967, so we want to leverage our expertise in mining for critical minerals as well."

He emphasized the company's dedication to exploring the viability of such projects, recognizing the significance of critical minerals in the future. NLC India's primary focus has traditionally been on coal and lignite mining and power generation.

Motupalli also mentioned the global emphasis on critical minerals and the potential for NLC India to expand into overseas markets once it gains experience in domestic critical mineral mining.

The Union Cabinet recently approved royalty rates for critical minerals, including lithium, niobium, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs), at three percent, three percent, and one percent, respectively. These royalty rates are crucial financial considerations for bidders in mining block auctions.

NLC India is a Navratna company under the Ministry of Coal.