Archive · 10 Nov 2025
India Boosts Overseas Mineral Partnerships for Future Needs
Imagine India needs special rocks and metals for its future technology, like phones and batteries.
The government is making it easier for Indian companies, both big and small, to find and get these important minerals from other countries.
They've changed some rules and created a special fund to help pay for exploring and mining these resources overseas.
This fund is getting more money to help these efforts.
India is already talking to countries that have lots of these minerals.
Meanwhile, for coal, one company is producing a bit less because not as much is needed right now, but they are confident they can still supply everyone and will have plenty of coal stored up.
India is enhancing international collaborations to secure strategic mineral assets abroad.
Amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act now allow the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) to fund overseas projects.
The NMET's funding is expected to significantly increase due to higher contribution rates from mining lessees.
Bilateral agreements are in place with mineral-rich nations like Australia, Argentina, Zambia, and Chile.
Coal India experienced a 4.5% decline in production from April to October 2025 due to subdued demand but remains confident in meeting requirements.
- Who
- The Union government, Ministry of Mines, and Coal India
- What
- Stepping up efforts to secure strategic mineral assets abroad and addressing subdued coal demand.
- When
- Announced on Sunday, with policy measures and amendments effective recently.
- Where
- Primarily focused on overseas partnerships and domestic coal production in India.
- Why
- To secure strategic minerals for India’s future needs and meet energy demands.
Government Stance
Market Realities
Coal Production
Government Stance
Additional Secretary Sanoj Kumar Jha is confident that Coal India will meet the power sector's requirements and end the year with higher stocks than the previous year, despite a production decline.
Market Realities
Coal production from April to October 2025 saw a 4.5% decrease compared to the same period last year, indicating subdued demand, particularly from the power sector.
- Minister
- G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Coal and Mines
- Key Legislation
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025
- NMET Funds (Annual)
- Approx. ₹1,000 crore
- NMET Corpus
- Approx. ₹3,500 crore
- Projected NMET Addition
- ₹2,500 crore over next five years
- Countries for Agreements
- Australia, Argentina, Zambia, Chile
- Coal India Production (Apr-Oct 2025)
- 385.5 million tonnes
- Coal India Stock (Apr 2025)
- 105 million tonnes