New Delhi: State-owned NLC India Ltd has been declared the preferred bidder for a critical and strategic mineral block in Telangana, marking a major step in its diversification strategy beyond coal and lignite mining.
In a stock exchange filing, the Navratna PSU confirmed that it has secured the Parvathapur vanadium, titanium, and aluminous laterite block located in Sanga Reddy district after a critical mineral auction conducted by the Ministry of Mines on June 11.
Parvathapur Block Rich in Strategic Minerals
The newly acquired mineral block contains key resources such as:
- Vanadium
- Titanium
- Aluminous laterite
These minerals are considered highly important for high-tech industries, defence applications, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Officials said the acquisition will help strengthen India’s domestic supply chain for critical minerals and reduce dependence on imports.
Major Step in Diversification Strategy
NLC India, which primarily operates in coal and lignite mining along with power generation, is now actively expanding into the critical minerals segment.
The company stated that this development aligns with its broader diversification plan and the government’s focus on resource security and self-reliance.
Collaboration with CSIR-CECRI for Mineral Recovery
Earlier, NLC India signed an MoU with the CSIR–Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi to explore beneficiation and extraction technologies for critical minerals.
The collaboration will focus on:
- Studying overburden materials and mining tailings
- Assessing recovery of rare earth elements (REEs)
- Developing sustainable extraction technologies
- Exploring resource recovery in other mining projects
This initiative aims to unlock value from secondary mineral sources and improve resource efficiency.
Strengthening India’s Critical Mineral Security
The Parvathapur block acquisition is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to secure strategic mineral resources within the country.
Experts believe this move will help boost India’s capabilities in:
- High-tech manufacturing
- Renewable energy technologies
- Defence production
- Advanced industrial applications
Strategic Expansion for NLC India
With the acquisition of the Telangana mineral block, NLC India is set to play a larger role in the critical minerals sector, moving beyond its traditional coal-based operations and aligning with India’s long-term resource security goals.
About NLC India
NLC India Ltd is a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise engaged in lignite and coal mining as well as power generation. The company plays a key role in India’s energy sector and is now expanding into critical minerals to support the country’s self-reliance and industrial growth objectives.
