Coal India Limited (CIL) has emerged as the preferred bidder for the Khattali Chotti graphite block in Madhya Pradesh’s Alirajpur district, marking a significant step in its foray into non-coal mineral mining. The win positions CIL to contribute to the domestic supply of critical minerals.
The ministry of mines conducted the tranche two mineral block auction, where CIL secured the bid by offering a mining premium of 150.05 percent of the value of mineral dispatch. Following the deposit of performance security, CIL will receive a letter of intent. The composite license will be granted within a year after fulfilling all formalities.
Initial analysis of five bedrock samples from the Khattali Chhoti block indicates fixed carbon content ranging from 1.99 percent to 6.50 percent. The block covers an area of approximately 600 hectares.
Graphite, essential for lithium-ion battery anodes due to its cost-effectiveness and energy density, plays a vital role in the electric vehicle and energy storage sectors.
As reported by projectstoday.com, acquiring the graphite asset will enable CIL to support the green energy transition. Currently, India imports around 69 percent of its graphite requirements, including natural, synthetic, and end-use products.
