GAIL, KABIL sign MoU to strengthen India's critical minerals supply chain

State-run GAIL (India) Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) to strengthen cooperation in the field of critical and strategic minerals, a move aimed at supporting India's long-term resource security and clean energy transition.

The agreement was signed by GAIL Executive Director (R&D and Exploration & Production) Sanjeev Kumar and KABIL Chief Executive Officer Sunil Kumar Singh in the presence of GAIL Director (Business Development) R.K. Singhal and senior officials from both organisations.

Under the partnership, GAIL and KABIL will work together to identify and evaluate opportunities related to critical and strategic minerals, which are increasingly vital for advanced manufacturing, renewable energy technologies, batteries, electric vehicles, and other strategic sectors.

The MoU also provides a framework for the exchange of technical expertise, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building initiatives.

In addition, the two public sector entities will explore joint projects across the mining value chain to help secure a reliable supply of critical minerals for the country.

The collaboration is expected to complement India's broader efforts to strengthen access to critical mineral resources, reduce import dependence, and build resilient supply chains for industries driving the country's energy transition and future economic growth.

GAIL, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has a diversified presence across the natural gas value chain, including gas transmission and marketing, LNG sourcing and regasification, LPG transmission, petrochemicals, city gas distribution, renewable energy, and upstream exploration and production.

KABIL is a joint venture of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), and Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Limited (MECL). It was established to identify, acquire, develop, and secure overseas critical and strategic mineral assets to meet India's long-term industrial, economic, and energy security requirements.