GMDC Ltd

* India and Japan have agreed to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, battery supply chains, processing technologies, exploration, and investments. The objective is to reduce dependence on China for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare earth elements, which are crucial for EV batteries, semiconductors and renewable energy. * The partnership is expected to facilitate Japanese technology, investment and expertise in mineral exploration, refining and battery materials, supporting India’s National Critical Minerals Mission and domestic manufacturing ecosystem. Why

is in focus * GMDC has been actively expanding into the critical minerals and rare earths segment. Earlier this year, GMDC signed an MoU with NMDC to jointly explore rare earth elements and other critical minerals in India. * As India accelerates exploration, mining and processing of critical minerals under partnerships like the India–Japan pact, GMDC is well placed to benefit through new exploration opportunities, technology collaborations and potential long-term demand from the battery and EV value chain. This could improve its growth prospects beyond its traditional lignite business.