NLC India Limited has secured composite licences for two critical mineral blocks in Chhattisgarh, marking a significant milestone in its mining operations expansion. The Navratna public sector enterprise received approval to conduct detailed geological exploration activities in the Semhardih and Raipura Phosphorite & Limestone blocks located in Balod District.

Licence Grant Details

The Mineral Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, granted the composite licences on 24.04.2026 through official letters. The approval enables NLCIL to carry out comprehensive geological exploration in both mineral blocks.

Auction Process and Timeline

NLC India Limited participated in the Tranche-V auction of Critical and Strategic Minerals conducted by the Ministry of Mines. The company emerged as the preferred bidder for both blocks on 27.05.2025, demonstrating its competitive positioning in the critical minerals sector.

Following the successful bidding, NLCIL completed several regulatory requirements in a structured timeline:

Regulatory Compliance

The company submitted performance securities for both blocks to the Government of Chhattisgarh on 10.06.2025, fulfilling a key requirement of the auction process. The state government subsequently issued Letters of Intent for composite licences on 02.09.2025.

As part of the licensing process, NLCIL prepared and submitted the Scheme of Prospecting to the Director of Geology and Mining, Government of Chhattisgarh on 30.03.2026. This comprehensive document outlines the company's exploration plans and methodologies for the mineral blocks.

Strategic Significance

The acquisition of these phosphorite and limestone blocks aligns with India's focus on securing critical and strategic minerals. Phosphorite is essential for fertilizer production, while limestone serves multiple industrial applications including cement manufacturing and steel production. The blocks' location in Chhattisgarh, a mineral-rich state, positions NLCIL strategically for future mining operations.

The composite licences provide NLCIL with the authority to conduct detailed geological surveys, assess mineral reserves, and develop comprehensive mining plans for both blocks. This development strengthens the company's mineral portfolio and supports its diversification strategy beyond traditional coal mining and power generation activities.

NLC India Limited has issued a clarification to BSE regarding the recent surge in trading volume of its shares, stating that the increased activity is purely market-driven with no undisclosed material information affecting the stock's performance.

BSE Inquiry and Company Response

The clarification came in response to BSE's email dated April 17, 2026, seeking explanation for the significant increase in trading volume of NLC India shares. The company's management addressed the exchange's concerns through an official communication under Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

Management's Position on Volume Movement

NLC India's management clearly stated that there is no additional information or pending announcements that could have influenced the recent price and volume behavior of the company's shares. The company emphasized that the trading activity surge is entirely attributable to market conditions and market-driven factors.

The management also highlighted that NLC India has been consistently fulfilling its disclosure obligations by regularly disseminating price-sensitive information in accordance with SEBI regulations. This reinforces the company's commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.

Regulatory Compliance Framework

The company's response demonstrates adherence to regulatory requirements under SEBI's listing obligations. Key aspects of the compliance framework include:

• Regular disclosure of material information under Regulation 30
• Prompt response to exchange inquiries
• Transparent communication with stakeholders
• Maintenance of proper documentation and records

The clarification was signed by Sushanta Kumar Panda, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, ensuring proper authorization and accountability for the disclosure. This response reflects NLC India's proactive approach to addressing market concerns while maintaining regulatory compliance standards.