NLC India, a government-owned company, is close to finalizing a deal with a Russian state-backed firm to get lithium from a mine in Africa. This move is important for India as it tries to secure key minerals needed for its clean energy goals.
According to sources, NLC India is talking with the Russian company about investing in a lithium mining project in Mali, Africa.
India is working hard to find lithium both inside the country and abroad because the demand for lithium is rising—especially from companies that make batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).
NLC India is mainly known for mining coal and lignite and generating electricity. However, the company is now expanding into renewable energy and international mining projects.
In a recent auction, NLC India also won two important mineral blocks—one for phosphorite and one for limestone—in Chhattisgarh.
On the financial front, the company reported a strong performance. Its profit jumped to ₹468.46 crore for the quarter ending March 2025, which is more than four times higher than ₹113.95 crore during the same time last year.
