State-owned iron ore producer NMDC is actively assessing overseas acquisitions of critical mineral blocks to strengthen its role in the global value chain, according to Chairman and Managing Director Amitava Mukherjee, as reported by PTI.

Critical minerals such as antimony, lithium, cobalt and copper are vital for clean energy technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. To secure long-term supply and processing capacity, India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).

“As part of its global mineral diversification strategy, NMDC is evaluating acquisition opportunities across 10 strategic mineral assets worldwide. We are exploring blocks in Africa, Australia, and South America to reinforce our presence in the global critical mineral value chain,” Mukherjee said.

Speaking at the inauguration of NMDC’s new office in Dubai, he described the city as a gateway to global opportunities and said the office will redefine the company’s international mining footprint.

“With this expansion, we are transforming our approach to mineral development, positioning India as a leader in mining and advancing innovation in resource utilisation,” he told PTI.

Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated the Dubai office earlier this week. Based in Hyderabad and operating under the Ministry of Steel, NMDC contributes about 17–20 per cent of India’s total iron ore production.

In July 2023, the government released a list of 30 critical minerals for India, including antimony, beryllium, bismuth, cobalt, copper, gallium, lithium, molybdenum, niobium and nickel.