Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) and NTPC Mining Ltd (NML) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the mining of copper and critical minerals. This partnership aims to enhance India’s mineral security and strengthen domestic value chains, which are essential for the country’s clean energy transition, digital infrastructure, and high-tech manufacturing sectors. The MoU was signed at the HCL Corporate Office in Kolkata, with senior leadership from both organizations in attendance.
Under the agreement, HCL and NML will jointly participate in mineral block auctions within India and abroad, and their collaboration will extend to exploration, project development, mine planning, and other areas of strategic importance. Copper and critical minerals, such as cobalt, nickel, lithium, and rare earth elements, are crucial for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, grid storage, and advanced electronics.
The partnership is expected to strengthen India’s position in global mineral supply chains and create new opportunities for domestic industrial development. It will also promote knowledge sharing, resource optimization, and accelerated project execution. With the global energy landscape shifting toward renewables and electrification, demand for copper and critical minerals is set to rise sharply.
HCL is India’s only fully integrated copper producer, managing the entire value chain from mining and beneficiation to smelting, refining, and manufacturing. NML, a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, is responsible for developing and managing coal and mineral assets that support NTPC’s energy portfolio. The company is now diversifying into new mineral sectors, including critical minerals, to contribute to India’s resource independence.
The collaboration between HCL and NML is a significant step towards mineral self-reliance and will support India’s future-focused industries, such as clean energy, mobility, and electronics. The partnership is also expected to ensure secure raw material supplies for India’s power and industrial sectors while pursuing environmentally responsible mining practices. Overall, the MoU between HCL and NML is a major step towards enhancing India’s mineral security and strengthening its position in the global mineral market.