Metals & Mining

CIL mulls setting up data centres in decommissioned mines to boost digital infra, sustainability
Coal India Limited is exploring the feasibility of establishing data centers in its decommissioned mines, aiming to capitalize on existing infrastructure and contribute to India's growing digital capacity. The initiative aligns with the Digital India and Make in India missions, repurposing redundant mining assets for high-value infrastructure.

Domestic coal production drops marginally in April-August period to 381.75 MT
India's coal production experienced a slight dip of 0.6% to 381.75 million tonnes during April-August, compared to 384.037 MT last year. Coal India led with 280.15 MT. However, August witnessed a robust 11.5% surge, reaching 69.87 MT. Government initiatives, including policy measures and stakeholder support, fueled this growth.

Uni Abex Alloy to invest Rs 100 crore to double production capacity of high-performance alloys
Uni Abex Alloy Products Ltd will invest over Rs 100 crore to double its high-performance alloys production capacity by FY26. The expansion at its Dharwad facility in Karnataka aims to meet rising demand from industries like iron, steel, petrochemicals, and fertilizers. This strategic move will increase production from 6,000 to 12,000 metric tonnes per annum.

Jaiprakash Associates bid: Vedanta offers Rs 4,000 cr upfront payment, rest over 5-6 years
Vedanta Ltd has emerged as the highest bidder for debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAIL), offering a net present value of Rs 12,505 crore. The payment will be staggered, with Rs 4,000 crore paid post-NCLT approval and the balance over 5-6 years. This acquisition complements Vedanta's existing businesses and leverages JAL's assets in power, real estate, and mining.

Vedanta to pour Rs 17,000 cr into Jaiprakash Associates, beats Adani bid
Vedanta won the bid for Jaiprakash Associates with a ₹17,000-crore offer. It outbid Adani Enterprises in the insolvency battle. The deal involves major cement facilities. Only Vedanta and Adani submitted binding offers. Other suitors like Jindal Power and Dalmia Bharat did not participate. The Committee of Creditors will review Vedanta's winning bid. The resolution process for Jaiprakash Associates faced delays.

Vedanta beats Adani for acquisition of Jaiprakash Associates
Vedanta Group has emerged as the winning bidder for the debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates (JAL), surpassing Gautam Adani's Group in a competitive acquisition process. The mining conglomerate's bid of Rs 17,000 crore translated to a net present value of Rs 12,505 crore. JAL, facing insolvency proceedings due to loan defaults, attracted multiple bidders, with Vedanta ultimately securing the deal.

System soon to spot hurdles in starting production at mines
The government is preparing a system to find problems in starting auctioned mineral blocks. A new online portal will monitor the progress of approvals for these blocks. This aims to speed up clearances. Only a few auctioned mines are currently working. Delays in environmental approvals are a major reason. The central government will work with states to accelerate approvals.

Aluminium extrusion industry body seeks review of import duties, FTAs to offset US tariff impact
ALEMAI urges the government to address import duties, FTAs, and policies to boost domestic aluminium consumption and counter US tariffs. India's aluminium extrusion industry faces underutilization due to imports, despite its 3 million tonnes capacity. Increased local consumption and production can enhance global competitiveness and offset tariff impacts, fostering growth in sectors like construction and renewable energy.

Cabinet approves Rs 1,500 crore sops for critical mineral recycling
The cabinet committee has approved a Rs 1,500 crore incentive for critical mineral recycling. This scheme spans six years, from FY26 to FY31. It targets e-waste, LIB scrap, and end-of-life vehicle scrap. The plan aims to recycle 10% of India's critical minerals. It anticipates Rs 8,000 crore in investment and 40 kilo ton of mineral production.

Cabinet clears Rs 1,500 crore scheme for critical mineral recycling
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1,500 crore scheme. It will boost recycling of critical minerals. The scheme aims to strengthen India’s domestic capacity. It will run from FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31. The initiative will cover e-waste and lithium-ion battery recycling. Government expects to create annual recycling capacity. It will also generate employment.
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Centre defers decision on Vedanta's proposal to divert 708 hectares of forest land for Sijimali Bauxite Mines
The Union Environment Ministry has delayed Vedanta's bauxite mining project in Odisha due to concerns over community consent and ecological impact. The Forest Advisory Committee cited issues with fraudulently obtained Gram Sabha resolutions and the project's location within elephant habitat. Odisha must address these concerns, including erosion control and compensatory afforestation, before the project can proceed.

Top Indian miner’s renewable plan looks at a future beyond coal
Coal India Ltd., the world's largest coal producer, is diversifying its portfolio by seeking bids for 5 gigawatts of renewable energy projects, including 3 GW of solar and 2 GW of wind. This move addresses concerns about declining coal demand due to growing renewable energy adoption and increased competition. The company aims to install 9.

HZL plans to produce up to 4 new metals by 2030: CEO
Hindustan Zinc plans to diversify its product portfolio by 2030, incorporating critical minerals like neodymium, tungsten, and potash. The company, already a dominant player in zinc, lead, and silver, aims to leverage its deep mining expertise to extract these difficult-to-mine resources.

India seeks WTO consultations with US over 50 pc duty on copper
India has initiated discussions with the United States regarding tariffs on copper. This action follows India's reservation of rights to impose retaliatory duties. The US imposed a 50 percent tariff on certain copper imports. India considers this a safeguard measure and seeks consultations under WTO rules. Trade negotiations between India and the US are currently paused.

Adani Power gets Coal Ministry clearance to start mining at MP's Dhirauli block
Adani Power gains coal ministry's nod for Dhirauli mine in Madhya Pradesh. Mahan Energen Ltd will manage the mine. It will fuel Adani's Mahan power plant, undergoing expansion. The mine boasts 620 MMT reserves and a 6.5 MTPA peak production capacity. This move strengthens Adani's raw material security. The company aims for responsible mining practices.

JSW Steel puts coking coal sourcing plans from Mongolia on hold amid logistics challenges
JSW Steel has paused its plan to import coking coal from Mongolia due to significant logistical challenges in transporting the material to India. The company found it not logistically feasible at the moment. India relies heavily on coking coal imports, primarily from Australia, and the government has been exploring alternative sources to diversify supply.