New Delhi: Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) and NTPC Mining Ltd (NML) have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the mining of copper and critical minerals—resources increasingly essential for India’s clean energy transition, digital infrastructure, and high-tech manufacturing sectors. The MoU was signed at the HCL Corporate Office in Kolkata, marking a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing India’s mineral security and strengthening domestic value chains.
A Major Step Toward Mineral Self-Reliance
Under the agreement, both organisations will jointly participate in mineral block auctions within India and abroad. Their collaboration will extend to exploration, project development, mine planning, and other areas of strategic importance. Copper and critical minerals—such as cobalt, nickel, lithium, and rare earth elements—form the backbone of renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, grid storage, and advanced electronics, making this partnership timely and crucial.
Senior Leadership Marks Presence at MoU Ceremony
The MoU signing event was attended by top leadership from both organisations, underlining the importance of the collaboration:
● Mr. Sanjiv Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, Hindustan Copper Ltd
● Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Sinha, Director (Operations) and Director (Mining) – Additional Charge, HCL
● Mr. R. V. N. Vishweshwar, Director (Finance), HCL
From NTPC and its mining subsidiary:
● Mr. Shivam Srivastava, Director (Fuel), NTPC and Chairman, NTPC Mining Ltd
● Mr. Naveen Jain, CEO, NTPC Mining Ltd
● Mr. Kiran Gosala, Deputy General Manager (Fuel Management)
● Mr. Supreme Mukherjee, Senior Manager, Technical Services
Senior officials expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen India’s position in global mineral supply chains and create new opportunities for domestic industrial development. The collaboration is also expected to promote knowledge sharing, resource optimization, and accelerated project execution.
A Partnership for Future Technologies
With the global energy landscape rapidly shifting toward renewables and electrification, demand for copper and critical minerals is set to rise sharply. Copper is indispensable for power transmission, solar power infrastructure, EV charging networks, and electronics, while critical minerals are vital for batteries, semiconductors, defence systems, and emerging technologies.
About Hindustan Copper Ltd
Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), a Government of India public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Mines, is the country’s only fully integrated copper producer, managing the entire value chain—from mining and beneficiation to smelting, refining, and manufacturing. Established in 1967, HCL plays a pivotal role in meeting India’s copper demand and is actively expanding into critical mineral exploration to support future-focused industries such as clean energy, mobility, and electronics.
About NTPC Mining Ltd
NTPC Mining Ltd (NML), a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, is responsible for developing and managing coal and mineral assets that support NTPC’s energy portfolio. With growing expertise in large-scale mining operations, NML is now diversifying into new mineral sectors, including critical minerals, to contribute to India’s resource independence. As part of NTPC’s broader sustainability and energy-transition strategy, NML aims to ensure secure raw material supplies for India’s power and industrial sectors while pursuing environmentally responsible mining practices.
