Coal India plans to begin mining of lithium

State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) is mulling entering into the mining of critical minerals, including lithium.

CIL plans to get a block from the government for exploration and once lithium reserves are proved, the PSU would go for mining, the official said.

Lithium is the ‘cosmic’ mineral which is needed as part of the country’s energy security plans. It is being seen as a game-changer mineral to achieve the Net Zero goals in the coming years.

CIL accounts for over 80 per cent of domestic coal production.

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

Last year, Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the auction of 20 critical minerals worth Rs 45,000 crore. Of the 20 minerals put on sale, two are lithium blocks. One of the lithium blocks is in Jammu & Kashmir, while the other is in Chhattisgarh.