Metals & Mining
Centre earmarks Rs 5,925 crore for coal, lignite exploration from FY27
The investment will be channeled through the Central Sector Scheme (CSS) of coal and lignite exploration.
Government finalising RFP for inviting bids under Rare Earth Magnet Scheme: H D Kumaraswamy
The Minister for Heavy Industries & Steel chaired a stakeholder consultation meeting on the scheme with various industrial stakeholders from India and abroad.
Punjab launches auctions for mining sites across state
Punjab has initiated new auctions for mining sites. Reforms to the auction system are now in place. The government aims for transparency and better revenue. Online bidding is being used. This is the first auction in three years. Future auctions will include more sites. These changes are expected to boost legal supply and government income.
NTPC to set up coal-to-SNG project at Rs 10,000 crore capex in Chhattisgarh
NTPC is establishing a significant coal-to-synthetic natural gas facility in Chhattisgarh. This ambitious project, with an investment of approximately Rs 10,000 crore, aims to produce synthetic natural gas from high-ash Indian coal. The facility will be located at Talaipalli and is expected to consume substantial amounts of coal. Technology tie-ups are underway to finalize the project's processes.
Critical Minerals, Cycles and Strategy: Why India should bet on Argentina
India and Argentina are deepening cooperation on critical minerals. This partnership is crucial for India's future growth in electric vehicles and renewable energy. Argentina offers vital resources like lithium and copper. India's investment aims for long-term supply security and cost stability. This collaboration is a strategic move to secure essential materials for India's industrial and defense needs.
Coal India arm ECL deploys AI-driven drones to assess green cover at Bengal mine
Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) has deployed AI-driven drones for scientific land reclamation assessment at its Sonepur-Bazari mining area in West Bengal. This initiative involves advanced geospatial analytics and ecological surveys to evaluate plantation success and environmental restoration, enhancing accuracy and informed decision-making for mine closure planning.
India should boost silver processing, diversify imports: GTRI
India is a major consumer of finished silver, importing billions of dollars worth annually. Experts urge India to shift from importing refined silver to processing it domestically. This involves securing long-term mining supplies from abroad and enhancing local refining and recycling capabilities. Such a strategy will reduce import dependence and boost value addition within India.
Coal output nears demand, exports may follow: Reddy
India is on the brink of achieving coal self-sufficiency, creating opportunities for selective coal exports while keeping domestic needs first. The nation is enhancing production capabilities, boosting quality, and streamlining supply chains. Upcoming reforms in the coal sector aim for consistency and standard practices.
Land acquisition proof no longer mandatory for environmental clearance for non-coal mining projects
New Delhi has eased environmental clearance rules for non-coal mining projects. Developers will no longer need to prove land acquisition before getting clearance. This change follows requests to delink land status from the clearance process. The environment ministry has accepted this recommendation. Many projects currently operate while land acquisition progresses in phases.
Precision Cold-Roll Forming can cut India's industrial carbon load, Industry seeks green-credit recognition
Sheet metal cold-roll forming is gaining traction as a carbon-efficient manufacturing process, generating minimal scrap and consuming less energy than conventional methods. Industry leaders are advocating for its recognition under India's Green Credit Programme to boost sustainable manufacturing and reduce the steel sector's significant emissions.
Must Watch
Coal imports expected to drop on increased domestic availability
Coal imports saw a significant rise in November. This increase was driven by winter stocking by steel mills and weak seaborne prices. However, industry data suggests a coming decline in imports. This shift is attributed to greater availability of coal from domestic sources. The trend indicates a move towards self-sufficiency in coal supply.
Open to Vedanta to file plea before authorities over green copper plant: Madras HC
Vedanta's Sterlite Copper unit in Tamil Nadu can now file a new application for its green copper plant. The Madras High Court has permitted this move. This opens the door for Vedanta to formally pursue its proposal. The court has scheduled further hearings for January 2026.
India's coal import rises in November, likely to drop in coming months due to increased domestic availability
India's coal imports saw a significant rise in November. However, industry data suggests a coming decline. This shift is attributed to greater availability of domestic coal resources. Steel mills contributed to the November increase through winter restocking. Seaborne prices also played a role in buyer decisions. The outlook points to reduced import volumes in the near future.
Vedanta Q3 production: Aluminium, zinc, iron ore up; steel, oil & gas down
Vedanta Ltd reported a mixed production performance in the December quarter, with aluminium, zinc, and iron ore output increasing. However, the company experienced a decline in steel and oil and gas production during the third fiscal quarter. The rise in aluminium production was 1%, while zinc and iron ore saw increases of 4% and 3% respectively.
PM Modi reviews progress on acquisition of critical mineral assets abroad, sops for domestic recycling
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed critical mineral asset acquisitions overseas. He also assessed a Rs 1,500-crore incentive scheme promoting critical mineral recycling. These efforts aim to secure supply chains for modern industries and support India's energy transition. The National Critical Mineral Mission is driving self-reliance and green energy goals.
Hindustan Zinc mined metal production rises, saleable silver output drops in Q3
Hindustan Zinc Ltd has announced a four percent increase in mined metal output for the third quarter of the current fiscal year. This rise is attributed to higher ore production. Saleable metal production also saw a four percent jump. Refined zinc and lead output contributed significantly to this growth. Silver production experienced a slight dip.
