Coal India Seeking Lithium Blocks in Australia and Argentina: Chairman

Coal India Ltd (CIL), a state-owned company, is taking a significant step towards expanding coal operations by exploring lithium blocks in Australia and Argentina, informed Chairman P M Prasad at the 11th Asian Mining Congress and the 11th International Mining Exhibition on Wednesday.

As renowned as India’s largest coal producer, supplying over 80 per cent of the domestic coal production, CIL is aiming for 875 million tonnes (MT) of coal production and 900 (MT) of offtake for the fiscal year 2025-26. The company also highlighted its highest pithead stock of 106 MT as of Mar 31, 2025.

CILs' involvement in lithium mining exploration corresponds with the worldwide demand for essential minerals to support clean energy technologies, renewable energy storage, and electric vehicle batteries. Lithium is essential for EV batteries and the vision of energy transition. This strategic method may enhance the nation’s security of supply chains for essential minerals.

Emphasizing the recent effect of the Rs 10 per tonne increase in price for coking and non-coking coal, Prasad confirmed that the effect on revenue would be minimal. By branching into lithium, CIL will lead its role in India's clean energy transformation, guaranteeing a sustainable future beyond coal.