Coal India Limited is preparing to significantly expand its presence beyond the traditional coal business through the establishment of overseas subsidiaries in Chile and Singapore. The state-owned mining giant is accelerating its diversification strategy as it increases focus on critical minerals, rare earth elements, copper, lithium, and coking coal opportunities amid the global energy transition.
The company’s latest plans reflect its broader objective of building a long-term non-thermal coal portfolio while strengthening participation in minerals that are becoming increasingly important for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, battery manufacturing, and advanced industrial technologies.
Coal India Eyes Lithium and Rare Earth Opportunities in Chile
According to reports, Coal India is planning to establish a subsidiary in Chile during the current financial year to pursue opportunities linked to lithium and other critical minerals. The company has already identified a lithium block in Chile and completed the due diligence process, while final approval from the Chilean government is still awaited.
Coal India Chairman and Managing Director B Sairam stated that if regulatory approvals are received on time, mining activities could begin within the next two to three years. Chile remains one of the world’s largest lithium-producing regions and holds strategic importance in the global battery materials supply chain.
Lithium has emerged as a key resource due to its extensive use in electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems, and clean energy infrastructure. Coal India’s entry into lithium mining signals a major shift in the company’s long-term business strategy.
Singapore Subsidiary to Support Australia Collaborations
The company is also planning to establish a Singapore-based subsidiary to facilitate collaborations and partnerships linked to Australia’s mining sector. Coal India is exploring opportunities involving critical minerals, rare earth elements, copper, and coking coal in Australia through partnerships with established mining operators.
Management indicated that discussions and due diligence activities are currently underway. The Singapore entity is expected to become operational before the Chile subsidiary and will play a key role in identifying investment opportunities, managing partnerships, and supporting regulatory processes across overseas markets.
Focus on Entire Mineral Value Chain
Coal India stated that the planned subsidiaries will not only focus on mining operations but also cover the broader mineral value chain, including beneficiation, mineral processing, logistics, regulatory approvals, and market linkages.
The company believes that processing and refining capabilities are becoming increasingly important within the critical minerals industry, especially for battery-related materials and rare earth applications.
The overseas expansion strategy is expected to help Coal India build technical expertise and operational capabilities in sectors beyond thermal coal mining.
Domestic Critical Mineral Projects Also Expanding
Apart from international expansion, Coal India is actively strengthening its domestic critical minerals portfolio. The company has secured four mineral blocks through auctions conducted by the Ministry of Mines, including two critical mineral blocks and two rare-earth element blocks.
One of the major domestic projects includes the Oranga-Revatipur graphite and vanadium-bearing block located in Chhattisgarh. The project is currently in an advanced stage, with mining operations expected to begin within the next three to four years.
Coal India estimates an investment requirement of around ₹430 crore for the project, while projected revenue generation over a 10-year mine life could reach approximately ₹2,500 crore.
The company is also evaluating opportunities linked to India’s proposed rare-earth corridor spanning Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
Coal India Share Price Performance
As of May 12, 2026, Coal India Limited share price closed at ₹462.60 per share, down 0.40% from the previous closing level.
Summary
Coal India Limited is expanding aggressively into critical minerals and rare earth businesses through proposed subsidiaries in Chile and Singapore. The company is exploring lithium, copper, coking coal, and rare-earth opportunities globally while also strengthening its domestic mineral portfolio through newly acquired blocks in India. The diversification strategy highlights Coal India’s broader transition beyond thermal coal as demand for battery materials and clean energy minerals continues to rise globally.
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