NLC India Ltd has made significant strides in both project management excellence and strategic partnerships in the critical minerals sector.

IPMA Delta Certification Achievement

NLC India Limited has become the first Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) in India to achieve the International Project Management Association (IPMA) Delta Certification - Level 3 (Standardized). This prestigious certification acknowledges the company's maturity in project, program, and portfolio management governance practices.

The company stated that this achievement reflects their commitment to transparency, accountability, innovation, and alignment with global project management standards as part of their Vision 2030. NLC India believes this certification reinforces stakeholder confidence in their ability to execute projects with excellence and sustainability while setting a benchmark for global standards.

Strategic Collaboration with KABIL

In addition to this certification, NLC India has taken a significant step towards expanding its presence in the critical minerals sector by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL). This strategic partnership aims to collaborate on global critical mineral projects, potentially strengthening India's position in the international minerals market.

About the Companies

NLC India Ltd

Formerly known as Neyveli Lignite Corporation, NLC India is a navratna company under the coal ministry of Government of India. It is primarily engaged in lignite mining and power generation.

Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL)

KABIL is a joint venture company set up with the mandate to ensure supply of critical and strategic minerals to the Indian domestic market. It is jointly owned by three central public sector enterprises:

• National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO)
• Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL)
• Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. (MECL)

Implications of the Partnership

This collaboration between NLC India and KABIL could have several potential benefits:

1. Resource Security: By partnering for global critical mineral projects, the companies aim to secure a stable supply of essential minerals for India's growing industrial needs.

2. Technological Advancements: The joint efforts might lead to improved technologies in mineral exploration and extraction.

3. Economic Impact: Successful projects under this MoU could contribute to India's economic growth and reduce dependency on mineral imports.

4. Global Footprint: This partnership may help both companies expand their international presence in the minerals sector.

While the specific details of the projects and targeted minerals have not been disclosed, this MoU signifies a forward-looking approach by NLC India to diversify its portfolio and contribute to India's mineral security.

As the collaboration unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this partnership shapes the landscape of critical mineral projects both in India and globally, while NLC India continues to set benchmarks in project management excellence with its recent IPMA Delta Certification.

NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna public sector enterprise, has taken a significant step towards expanding its presence in the critical minerals and rare earth elements (REE) sector. On September 10, 2025, NLCIL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) to collaborate on identifying, acquiring, and developing critical and strategic mineral projects globally.

Strategic Partnership

The partnership between NLCIL and KABIL aligns with the Government of India's initiative to encourage public sector enterprises to acquire critical mineral assets through both domestic and international acquisitions. This move is expected to strengthen India's position in the global critical minerals market and enhance the country's self-reliance in strategic resources.

Expanding Horizons

NLCIL, known primarily for its operations in lignite mining and power generation, is actively pursuing opportunities in the critical minerals and REE sector. This diversification strategy aims to capitalize on the growing demand for these essential resources in various high-tech industries, including renewable energy, electronics, and defense.

Global Ambitions

The collaboration with KABIL, a joint venture company set up by three Central Public Sector Enterprises, is set to leverage the combined expertise of both entities. KABIL's focus on securing mineral assets abroad complements NLCIL's ambition to expand its footprint in the critical minerals sector.

Implications for India's Resource Security

This strategic partnership is expected to play a crucial role in securing a stable supply of critical and strategic minerals for India. As global demand for these resources continues to rise, particularly in the context of the clean energy transition and technological advancements, such collaborations become increasingly important for national resource security.

Looking Ahead

While specific details of the projects to be undertaken under this MoU have not been disclosed, the agreement marks a significant step in NLCIL's diversification strategy. It also underscores the government's commitment to enhancing India's capabilities in the critical minerals sector through strategic partnerships and global acquisitions.

As NLCIL and KABIL embark on this collaborative journey, stakeholders will be keenly watching the developments that unfold from this partnership, potentially reshaping India's position in the global critical minerals landscape.