NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has won the bid for two critical and strategic mineral blocks in the recently concluded Tranche V auction conducted by the Ministry of Mines.

A press note said the two blocks — Raipura and Semhardih, both located in Chhattisgarh — contained reserves of phosphorite and limestone, essential minerals in India’s fertilizer and industrial sectors. It was worthy to note that, with production of phosphorite from these mines, the huge dependence on import could be reduced and it would contribute significantly towards sustainability and growth of agriculture sector in the country, it added.

The Raipura Block was won with a final price offer of 8.6%, while the Semhardih Block was secured with a final offer of 11.05%. These acquisitions were aligned with NLCIL’s long-term strategy to expand its presence in the mining of critical minerals, which were increasingly vital for clean energy technologies, fertilizers, electronics, and industrial processes.

The acquisition of new mineral assets to complement NLCIL’s portfolio — thermal power, lignite mining, renewable energy, and upcoming green hydrogen projects — comes amid NLCIL’s strategic push to diversify its resource base and play a vital role in reducing India’s dependency on imports and in strengthening the country’s industrial and agricultural infrastructure, the company said.

Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD of NLC India Limited, stated that the acquisition of these critical mineral blocks was a significant step in supporting the government’s vision of ensuring a resilient and sustainable mineral ecosystem.

Noting that phosphorite was crucial for food security and the fertilizer industry, the CMD said critical minerals would be the building blocks of new-age technologies, green energy solutions, and national prosperity in the journey towards a sustainable and decarbonised future.