State-owned Coal India Limited (CIL) has signed an agreement with Curtin University in Western Australia to explore research and development opportunities in critical minerals. The collaboration will also focus on knowledge sharing in areas such as decarbonisation and resource technologies.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised on Tuesday at Curtin University in Perth, highlighting both entities’ commitment to advancing research in these key sectors, CIL announced on X.
Previously, CIL had signed a non-binding MoU with IREL (India) Ltd. to work together on critical mineral development. CIL Chairman P. M. Prasad has consistently stressed the importance of securing mineral assets both domestically and internationally to support India’s transition to clean energy.
The Indian government, in its Union Budget 2024-25, introduced the Critical Mineral Mission to boost domestic production, promote recycling, and encourage the acquisition of mineral resources, aligning with the country’s long-term energy strategy.