NLC India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad – TEXMiN on May 26, 2026, at Neyveli to advance critical and strategic mineral exploration and research. This partnership aligns with the Government of India's vision to strengthen the nation's critical mineral security and supports the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission. The collaboration is expected to enhance indigenous capabilities in critical mineral value chains, ensuring long-term resource security for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, and strategic industries.

The MoU was signed by Shri. I.S. Jasper Rose, Executive Director (Mines & Land), NLC India Limited, and Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and Director – TEXMiN. The ceremony was attended by Shri. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director of NLC India Limited and Member of the Committee on Critical Minerals constituted by NITI Aayog, along with Dr. D.K. Singh, Chairman of the same committee, and Dr. Suresh Chandra Suman, Director (Mines), NLC India Limited.

NLC India Limited has been actively pursuing initiatives for the exploration and utilisation of critical and strategic minerals from both primary and secondary resources. The Company has secured two Critical Mineral Blocks through a transparent auction process and is actively pursuing the acquisition of additional critical mineral assets in India and overseas. Additionally, the Company is a member of the committee constituted by NITI Aayog to study the potential for recovery of critical and strategic minerals from secondary resources such as overburden, lignite, coal, and mine tailings.

Strategic Initiatives and Research Focus

As part of these initiatives, NLC India Limited has undertaken extensive studies on Rare Earth Elements (REE) and other trace elements from secondary source materials. The collaboration with IIT(ISM) TEXMiN is designed to strengthen research and technological capabilities in the areas of critical mineral exploration, beneficiation, and extraction technologies. TEXMiN, the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, is engaged in advanced research and technology development in mining and mineral sectors, with a specific focus on critical mineral exploration, beneficiation, and extraction methodologies.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

The partnership provides a platform for both organisations to jointly undertake research, technology development, and knowledge sharing in emerging areas of strategic mineral resource development. The key objectives include:

• Enhancing research in critical mineral exploration and extraction.
• Developing technological capabilities for beneficiation processes.
• Facilitating knowledge sharing in strategic mineral resource development.
• Supporting the national objective of self-reliance in critical minerals.

Shri. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director, NLC India Limited, stated that the partnership reflects the company's commitment towards innovation-driven resource development and sustainable mining practices. He emphasised that the collaboration would help accelerate research and technological advancements in critical mineral exploration and beneficiation, contributing to India's strategic mineral security and self-reliance initiatives. The MoU signifies the shared commitment of both organisations towards fostering scientific collaboration, technological innovation, and sustainable development in the mining and mineral sector.

NLC India reported a 39% year-on-year increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) to ₹3,769 Cr for the financial year ended March 31, 2026. The company’s revenue from operations grew 14% to ₹17,490 Cr, while EBITDA rose 43% to ₹7,475 Cr, maintaining an EBITDA margin of 43%. The robust financial performance was driven by strong operational metrics across its mining and thermal segments, alongside a growing renewable portfolio.

The company added 303 MW of renewable capacity in FY26, bringing its total operational renewable capacity to 1,734 MW. NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), a wholly-owned subsidiary, has been established to consolidate renewable assets and drive the expansion toward a target of 10 GW by 2030. An Initial Public Offering of NIRL is planned in FY2027 to support this capital expenditure. The firm also secured 2 GW of renewable projects and 3,300 MWh of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) contracts across various state utilities and central agencies.

Financial Performance FY26

Operational highlights for the year included an annual coal production of 19.14 MT and dispatch of 17.69 MT. The Pachwara South Coal Mine, with an award capacity of 9 MTPA, commenced coal production in March 2026. The company’s net worth stood at ₹21,525 Cr, reflecting a 15% YoY growth. The Board has recommended a dividend of 2.5% for shareholders' approval.

Strategic Outlook

NLC India outlined its strategic pivot to become a diversified energy platform, balancing its thermal portfolio with aggressive renewable expansion. The company plans to exit FY 2030 as a balanced 20,130 MW integrated energy platform. This includes scaling renewable capacity to 10,110 MW by 2030, supported by a significant capital expenditure plan focused on green energy, mining, and diversification projects. The firm is also exploring emerging areas such as critical minerals, green hydrogen, and lignite-to-methanol to open new revenue lines.