Coal India Explores Lithium & Copper Opportunities in Chile
New Delhi: Coal India Limited (CIL), India's largest coal mining PSU, is actively exploring investment opportunities in critical minerals in Chile, with special emphasis on lithium and copper.
Shri Asheesh Kumar, Director (Business Development), Coal India Limited, held high-level meetings with Chilean dignitaries on the sidelines of the Annual Business Summit 2026 of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi.
Key meetings held: Shri Asheesh Kumar met H.E. Mr. Francisco Pérez Mackenna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile, and H.E. Mr. Juan Angulo, Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to India. Discussions focused on potential collaboration in the mineral sector, particularly lithium and copper.
Additional high-level engagement: Shri Asheesh Kumar, along with Shri Manoj Kumar Gangeya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal, also met H.E. Ms. Paula Estévez, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade of the Republic of Chile, and Mr. Felipe Lopeandía, General Director of International Bilateral Affairs and Chief Negotiator of the CEPA Agreement with India.
Strategic importance: Lithium is a critical mineral for India's electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing and energy storage ambitions, while copper is essential for power transmission, electronics, and renewable energy infrastructure. Chile holds one of the world's largest reserves of both minerals.
Strengthening bilateral ties: The meetings focused on strengthening India–Chile cooperation in critical minerals and trade partnerships, aligning with India's broader strategy to secure reliable sources of key minerals for its clean energy transition and manufacturing growth.
Context: This initiative is part of Coal India's diversification strategy. While coal remains its core business, the PSU is actively exploring non-coal mineral assets both domestically and internationally to expand its revenue base and support national priorities.