Coal India Limited (CIL), a leading state-owned coal mining corporation, has achieved a significant milestone in its diversification efforts. The company has been declared the preferred bidder for the Ontillu-Chandragiri Rare Earth Element (REE) Exploration Block by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.

Tender Details and Exploration Block

The declaration follows a tender issued by the Ministry of Mines. The exploration block, spanning an impressive area of 209.62 square kilometers, presents a substantial opportunity for Coal India to expand its portfolio beyond traditional coal mining.

Contractual Obligations

According to the company's disclosure to the stock exchanges, Coal India will need to execute the exploration license deed within one year of receiving the Letter of Intent from the State Government. This timeline underscores the importance of swift action in securing the necessary permissions and commencing exploration activities.

Regulatory Framework

The contract is governed by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, as amended. This regulatory framework ensures that the exploration and potential future mining activities will be conducted in compliance with national standards and guidelines.

Strategic Implications

This move into rare earth element exploration marks a significant step for Coal India, potentially diversifying its resource base beyond coal. Rare earth elements are crucial components in various high-tech applications, including renewable energy technologies, electronics, and defense systems.

Financial and Corporate Governance Aspects

The company has clarified that this is a domestic contract with no related party transactions involved. This transparency is crucial for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Considerations

In a separate but related development, Coal India disclosed that CRISIL ESG Ratings & Analytics Limited has assigned the company an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating of 53. It's worth noting that Coal India did not engage CRISIL for this rating, indicating it was an independent assessment.

This ESG rating, along with the company's move into rare earth element exploration, may signal Coal India's evolving strategy to align with global sustainability trends and diversify its operations beyond traditional fossil fuels.

As Coal India Limited embarks on this new venture, stakeholders will be keenly watching how the company balances its core coal business with these diversification efforts and sustainability initiatives.

Coal India Limited (CIL), a Maharatna company, has announced a significant addition to its senior management team. Shri Tushar Kumar has joined the company as Executive Director (Renewables) on September 15, 2025, marking an important step in the company's renewable energy initiatives.

New Leadership in Renewables

Tushar Kumar, aged 54, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role at Coal India Limited. With over 29 years of experience in the field of Thermal Power, Wind Power, and Solar Power Plants, Kumar is well-positioned to drive CIL's renewable energy strategies.

Educational Background and Experience

Kumar's educational background is impressive and relevant to his new position:

• Electrical Engineering degree
• Post-graduation in Electrical Engineering
• MBA in Finance

This combination of technical knowledge and financial acumen positions Kumar well for the challenges of his new role in the rapidly evolving energy sector.

Position and Responsibilities

As Executive Director (Renewables), Kumar will be part of the Senior Management Personnel at Coal India Limited, operating one level below the Board. This strategic appointment underscores CIL's commitment to expanding its presence in the renewable energy sector.

Regulatory Compliance

The appointment was disclosed in compliance with Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015 and SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD2/CIR/P/0155 dated November 11, 2024. This transparency ensures that shareholders and the market are promptly informed of significant changes in the company's senior management.

Implications for Coal India Limited

Kumar's appointment as Executive Director (Renewables) signals Coal India Limited's increasing focus on diversifying its energy portfolio. As the world's largest coal mining company, CIL's move to strengthen its renewable energy leadership suggests a strategic shift towards more sustainable energy solutions.

This appointment may be seen as part of a larger trend in the energy sector, where traditional fossil fuel companies are increasingly investing in and developing renewable energy capabilities to adapt to changing global energy landscapes and environmental concerns.

As Coal India Limited continues to evolve in response to global energy trends, the expertise brought by Shri Tushar Kumar in thermal, wind, and solar power could play a crucial role in shaping the company's future direction and sustainability efforts.