Coal India (CIL) is considering to venture into mining of critical minerals, including lithium. The PSU plans to obtain a block from the government and carry out exploration. Once lithium is proved, then it can go for mining.

CIL aims to leverage its core expertise in the sector, whereby the company can redirect its resources towards mining critical minerals.

Lithium is expected to play a major role in India’s energy security strategy, and its target to reach net-zero goals by 2070. Last year, Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the auction of 20 blocks of critical minerals worth Rs 45,000 crore. Of these 20 blocks, two of these are dedicated to lithium mining.

Apart from electric vehicles, lithium is used in medical technology, electronics industry, mobile phones, solar panels, wind turbines and other renewable technologies.