Latest news with #NLC
Mint
7 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Strategic assets: How to turbocharge India's global hunt for critical minerals
Mint Editorial Board State-run NLC is in talks for a lithium deal in Africa. This will add to the mineral securing efforts of KABIL. Yet, India's strategic acquisitions overseas need a much more powerful vehicle that can draw upon the entire public sector's resource base. Lithium is a key element of climate action and we must not leave any stone unturned to secure its supplies. Gift this article Scouring the planet for access to scarce minerals is new not just for India, but also for other countries. From missiles to solar cells and motors that propel vehicles, some of these play an irreplaceable role. The chase is especially compelling for us since domestic resources are limited and under-explored. Worse, at a global level, these assets are concentrated. For instance, Congo holds about half the world's known cobalt resources, a versatile mineral used in batteries and magnets to drive electric motors. Scouring the planet for access to scarce minerals is new not just for India, but also for other countries. From missiles to solar cells and motors that propel vehicles, some of these play an irreplaceable role. The chase is especially compelling for us since domestic resources are limited and under-explored. Worse, at a global level, these assets are concentrated. For instance, Congo holds about half the world's known cobalt resources, a versatile mineral used in batteries and magnets to drive electric motors. Recent reports suggest that NLC India Ltd (earlier called Neyveli Lignite Corp), a public sector mining and power generation company, is in talks to buy a stake in a Russian-owned lithium mine in Mali, Africa. While this forward-looking approach is welcome, such endeavours call for a larger procurement framework managed by a single entity, one that can draw from the vast talent pool of our public sector across disciplines, enjoin the private sector to participate in India's global hunt for mineral reserves and leverage the state's strengths in other spheres. After all, such deals are clinched by sovereign ownership more than entrepreneurial flair. Moreover, we need the capacity to handle commercial engagements across the globe and maximize the value of all we extract. Amid a global scramble for minerals, these cannot be sourced the same way we get our bulk commodities like oil. Currently, the government does have a dedicated agency for procuring minerals overseas, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), but it is owned by other state-run firms in the mining sector and its capabilities are constrained by that. While NLC began commercial operations for electricity supply in the early 1960s, its profitability over the next few decades was held back partly by its pursuit of state objectives. These included the supply of not just power, but also fertilizers and briquettes at controlled prices. However, over the last two decades, it has kept up a remunerative record as a 72.2% government-owned enterprise. Thanks to the Centre's policies, it also enjoys reduced risk exposure to fragile state-level power utilities. Its earnings have thus armed it with funds for acquisitions. This money could largely go into central coffers as dividends so that a larger body can be given a war chest for foreign asset purchases. Such an approach would address concerns of mineral security in a world fraught with geopolitics over scarce but vital resources. Lithium, for example, is a key element of climate action and we must not leave any stone unturned to secure its supplies. The key to our hunt's success, though, lies in how we navigate the global flux of an era that is watching an old order crack up, with deep uncertainty over tomorrow's trade matrix. Even as the US tries to bend trade partners to its will, China has made no bones about weaponizing its hold over minerals. As their rivalry exposes our industrial vulnerability, our own prospects could pivot on outcomes of statecraft combined with knowhow and efficiency. At the turn of the century, in pursuit of oil security, we notched up an oil asset in Sudan that proved to be one of our most profitable overseas ventures. However, India was outrun in that race for African hydrocarbon assets by China, which used a mix of aid and infrastructure projects to lure local regimes. Today, with minerals, securing supplies is just the first step. Refining and processing the stuff is another challenge. Right now, China dominates the whole chain. But others could master it too. Topics You May Be Interested In
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NLC India to invest ₹1.25 lakh crore by 2030, targets 20 GW capacity with green focus
NLC India Ltd , a public sector enterprise , is planning to invest ₹1.25 lakh crore by 2030 to expand its capacity from the existing 6.7 gigawatt (GW) to 20 GW, Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the company has said. He said, out of ₹1.25 lakh crore planned capex, the company will be spending around ₹65,000 crore on renewables and other green initiatives, while around ₹45,000 crore will be earmarked for thermal and around ₹15,000 crore for mining. The official elaborated that out of the ₹65,000 crore capex on renewables, around ₹15,000 crore will be on the battery storage system . "We are having an aggressive capacity addition plan, adding the renewable capacity as well as the conventional capacity to take the capacity from the existing 6.7 gigawatt to 20 gigawatt. For that, the Capex requirement is around ₹1.25 lakh crore by 2030," Kumar told PTI. NLCIL is arranging finance for the planned capex of ₹1.25 lakh crore through internal accruals, domestic loans, Initial Public Offering's (IPOs), External Commercial Borrowings, he explained. NLC is contemplating starting a consulting business abroad, initially in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Africa, and the Middle East and acquire battery mineral assets overseas - especially in Vanadium, Cobalt, Lithium and Copper, among others, he said. Recently, NLC got two critical mineral blocks in Chhattisgarh and with that experience the company is exploring the possibilities of critical mineral mining abroad also. "Some due diligence is being done for some lithium mines in Mali. And some copper and cobalt mines in the African state of Congo. So, we are open for exploration of critical minerals across the globe. We are finding opportunities and doing due diligence to take it forward," he said.
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Union Power Ministry revises power allocation from NLC's thermal power station-II expansion project
The Union Power Ministry has revised allocation of power to Tamil Nadu from NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) thermal power station-II 2nd expansion project, based on a request made by the public sector power utility. NLC in a letter dated April 26, 2025 requested for relocation of power from the expansion project (lignite based) pursuant to revision in configuration of project from 2x660 MW (1320 MW- Super-Critical) to 2x500 MW (1000 MW-Sub-critical), the Power Ministry said in a recent communication. Earlier the Ministry had permitted NLC to adopt Sub Critical Technology for the project considering the constraints in availability of technology associated with lignite-based Super Critical configuration. The Union Power Ministry has decided to allocate 830.44 MW or 83.044% of the installed capacity from the NLC's thermal power station-II expansion project to Tamil Nadu, while 19.56 MW is allocated to Puducherry. The remaining 150 MW will be unallocated portion, as per the communication by the Ministry to Southern Regional Power Committee. The allocation will be subject to the power purchase agreements entered into by NLCIL with State Power Utilities and the beneficiaries ensuring compliance with financial and commercial terms. The unallocated power on declaration of commercial operation will be added in the Southern Region power pool and will be allocated to the States as per existing guidelines, the Ministry said. As per State Energy Department Policy note, Central Generating Stations account for 6,953 MW of Installed capacity of Tamil Nadu's Grid as on 01.04.2025. The State meets its power demand from its own thermal capacity, share from Central Generating Stations, Long Term Open Access (LTOA), Medium Term Open Access (MTOA) among others.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NLC India Ltd to invest Rs 1.25 lakh cr capex by 2030, bets big on renewable energy
NLC India Ltd , a public sector enterprise, is planning to invest Rs 1.25 lakh crore by 2030 to expand its capacity from the existing 6.7 gigawatt to 20 gigawatt, Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the company has said. He said, out of Rs 1.25 lakh crore planned capex, the company will be spending around Rs 65,000 crores on renewables and other green initiatives, while around Rs 45,000 crores will be earmarked for thermal and around 15,000 crores for mining. The official elaborated that out of the Rs 65,000 crore capex on renewables, around Rs 15,000 crore will be on the battery storage system. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo "We are having an aggressive capacity addition plan, adding the renewable capacity as well as the conventional capacity to take the capacity from the existing 6.7 gigawatt to 20 gigawatt. For that, the Capex requirement is around 1.25 lakh crore by 2030," Kumar told PTI Videos. NLCIL is arranging finance for the planned capex of Rs 1.25 lakh crore through internal accruals, domestic loans, Initial Public Offering's (IPOs), External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs), he explained. Live Events NLC is contemplating starting a consulting business abroad, initially in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Africa, and the Middle East and acquire battery mineral assets overseas - especially in Vanadium, Cobalt, Lithium and Copper, among others, he said. Recently, NLC got two critical mineral blocks in Chhattisgarh and with that experience the company is exploring the possibilities of critical mineral mining abroad also. "Some due diligence is being done for some lithium mines in Mali. And some copper and cobalt mines in the African state of Congo. So, we are open for exploration of critical minerals across the globe. We are finding opportunities and doing due diligence to take it forward," he said. NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NLC, is expected to go for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) during the current financial year aiming to enable value unlocking in the renewable business for its parent company. The proposed IPO will help raise funds for NIRL, which will likely be utilised for green energy projects. According to the official, NLC has already received in-principle approval to invest up to Rs 3,720 crore in NIRL, subject to necessary approvals and compliance with guidelines. NLCIL signed an agreement with the Telangana government to supply 200 MW renewable energy. The construction of the project in Gujarat is expected to be completed in the current financial year. NCL India earned a consolidated net profit of Rs 2714 crore on a total income from operations of Rs 15283 crore during the last financial year.
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Business Standard
13-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
NLC India to invest ₹1.25 trn capex by 2030, bets big on renewable energy
NLC India Ltd, a public sector enterprise, is planning to invest ₹1.25 trillion by 2030 to expand its capacity from the existing 6.7 gigawatt to 20 gigawatt, Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the company has said. He said, out of ₹1.25 trillion planned capex, the company will be spending around ₹65,000 crores on renewables and other green initiatives, while around Rs 45,000 crores will be earmarked for thermal and around 15,000 crores for mining. The official elaborated that out of the ₹65,000 crore capex on renewables, around ₹15,000 crore will be on the battery storage system. We are having an aggressive capacity addition plan, adding the renewable capacity as well as the conventional capacity to take the capacity from the existing 6.7 gigawatt to 20 gigawatt. For that, the Capex requirement is around 1.25 trillion by 2030, Kumar told PTI Videos. NLCIL is arranging finance for the planned capex of ₹1.25 trillion through internal accruals, domestic loans, Initial Public Offering's (IPOs), External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs), he explained. NLC is contemplating starting a consulting business abroad, initially in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Africa, and the Middle East and acquire battery mineral assets overseas especially in Vanadium, Cobalt, Lithium and Copper, among others, he said. Recently, NLC got two critical mineral blocks in Chhattisgarh and with that experience the company is exploring the possibilities of critical mineral mining abroad also. Some due diligence is being done for some lithium mines in Mali. And some copper and cobalt mines in the African state of Congo. So, we are open for exploration of critical minerals across the globe. We are finding opportunities and doing due diligence to take it forward, he said. NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NLC, is expected to go for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) during the current financial year aiming to enable value unlocking in the renewable business for its parent company. The proposed IPO will help raise funds for NIRL, which will likely be utilised for green energy projects. According to the official, NLC has already received in-principle approval to invest up to Rs 3,720 crore in NIRL, subject to necessary approvals and compliance with guidelines. NLCIL signed an agreement with the Telangana government to supply 200 MW renewable energy. The construction of the project in Gujarat is expected to be completed in the current financial year. NCL India earned a consolidated net profit of Rs 2714 crore on a total income from operations of Rs 15283 crore during the last financial year.
