New Delhi, India | NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a state-owned energy and mining company, has secured a Composite Licence for two key mineral blocks in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, marking a significant step in its strategy to diversify into critical mineral resources.
The licence, granted on April 24, 2026, by the state’s Mineral Resources Department, covers the Semhardih and Raipura Phosphorite & Limestone Blocks located in Balod district. The approval allows NLCIL to begin detailed geological exploration to assess the scale and quality of mineral deposits in both areas.
This development follows NLCIL’s earlier success as the preferred bidder for the blocks under the fifth tranche of mineral auctions conducted by India’s Ministry of Mines on May 27, 2025. After winning the bid, the company completed all required formalities, including submission of performance guarantees and a comprehensive prospecting plan, leading to the formal grant of the Composite Licence.
Phosphorite and limestone are essential raw materials for key industries. Phosphorite is a primary input for fertilizer production, making it critical for agriculture, while limestone is widely used in cement manufacturing and infrastructure development. By securing access to these resources, NLCIL aims to strengthen supply chains for sectors that underpin India’s food security and construction growth.
The exploration phase will involve advanced geological surveys and resource estimation, which will determine the feasibility of future mining operations. If commercially viable reserves are confirmed, the blocks could be developed into operational mines, contributing to domestic resource availability and reducing reliance on imports.
Commenting on the development, company Chairman and Managing Director Prasanna Kumar Motupalli said the milestone reinforces NLCIL’s commitment to strategic diversification and responsible resource development. He emphasized that securing access to critical minerals aligns with India’s broader push for self-reliance in key industrial inputs and supports long-term economic resilience.
Traditionally focused on lignite mining and power generation, NLCIL has been expanding its portfolio to include renewable energy and now critical minerals. This move reflects a broader transformation among Indian public sector enterprises as they align with national priorities such as energy transition, industrial growth, and the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative.
The Composite Licence not only strengthens NLCIL’s position in the mining sector but also signals its growing role in supporting India’s sustainable development goals through resource security and diversification.
