Coal India Pursues International Rare-Earth Mining Ventures
In a strategic move to secure critical mineral supplies, Coal India Limited is actively exploring rare-earth mining partnerships across multiple continents, including Australia, Russia, and several African countries. This initiative is part of India’s broader effort to reduce its reliance on China-dominated supply chains for minerals essential to modern technology and industry. The development, reported by Reuters, follows global concerns triggered by China’s recent expansion of rare-earth export controls.
According to senior executives from Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL), a Coal India subsidiary, the company is in the preliminary stages of both domestic and international expansion into rare-earth elements. These minerals are vital inputs for the automotive, electronics, defense, and renewable energy sectors. “In our country and in foreign countries also, we are going to invest; we are going to explore; we are also collaborating with other companies for rare earth metals. It is in the starting stage,” stated BCCL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Manoj Kumar Agarwal.
Domestically, Coal India plans to collaborate with state-owned entities like Indian Rare Earths Ltd, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd, and Hindustan Copper to explore and develop rare-earth assets. Internationally, the proposed partnerships will be funded using capital from BCCL’s recently oversubscribed $119 million initial public offering, which demonstrated strong investor confidence ahead of its listing. This financial strategy mirrors the significant market movements seen around major events like Asake’s Lagos Concert or a strategic corporate decision such as Flutterwave ties Mono Acquisition.
Beyond rare earths, BCCL disclosed plans to acquire coking coal mines in Australia and Russia within two to three years, aiming to boost its production capacity to 56 million tonnes annually by 2030. This aligns with India’s objective to secure long-term raw materials for its steel industry, a sector as competitive and globally focused as the top auto brands. While specific African nations were not named, analysts identify the continent as a critical frontier in the global resource race, a strategic consideration not unlike the geopolitical calculations seen in announcements such as Gov Yusuf bans or the intense preparations for events like the 2026 WCQ playoffs.
The company’s dual-focused strategy underscores a significant shift as it leverages its financial and operational strength to diversify into critical minerals, reducing strategic vulnerabilities in essential supply chains.
