Archive · 28 Nov 2025
India's Steel Ministry Orders SAIL, NMDC to Secure Overseas Mineral Assets
The Indian government has told two big companies, SAIL and NMDC, to find and buy mineral mines in other countries.
They are looking for things like coal, limestone, and special metals like copper and lithium.
This is because India wants to make sure it has enough of these important materials for the future.
The companies are checking out places in Africa, the Middle East, and other regions.
They might team up with other companies or buy mines on their own.
This is a big plan to make sure India doesn't have to rely on other countries for these important materials.
Indian public-sector companies SAIL and NMDC are instructed to acquire mineral assets abroad, including coking coal, limestone, and critical minerals like copper and lithium.
The move aims to secure long-term supply, reduce reliance on imports, and shield from geopolitical fluctuations.
Companies are exploring acquisitions and partnerships in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
SAIL and NMDC are evaluating active and virgin mines, with potential consortia or direct purchases.
The strategy aligns with India's shift towards owning strategic mineral assets overseas, viewing these as long-term investments.
- Who
- Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) and National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)
- What
- Acquiring mineral assets abroad, including coking coal, limestone, and critical minerals
- When
- Ongoing, with recent instructions from the Steel Ministry
- Where
- Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and specific countries like Senegal, Chile, Argentina, Indonesia, and UAE
- Why
- To secure long-term supply, reduce reliance on imports, and shield from geopolitical fluctuations
- Companies Involved
- Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) and National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)
- Target Minerals
- Coking coal, limestone, copper, lithium, gold, and other critical minerals
- Target Regions
- Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia
- Strategic Goal
- Reduce reliance on imports and secure long-term supply
- SAIL's Debt
- ₹33,663 crore as of 30 September
- NMDC's Australia Investment
- 50% stake in Legacy Iron Ore since 2012
- Mozambique Investment
- Potential ₹200-crore project for coking coal block expansion