NLC India Limited (NLCIL) and Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), both Government of India enterprises, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on May 6, 25 to collaborate in the field of critical minerals. The MoUaims to explore, assess, and develop mineral assets both in India and abroad, with a focus on mining, extraction, and refining of strategic resources. The MoU was signed by V SaravanaNagarajan , Chief General Manager( Mine Planning), NLCIL and  Ravi Prakash Jha, General Manager  (Technical-Protects), IREL in the presence of Dr. Prasanna Kumar Acharya, Director (Finance), NLC India Limited, S B Mohanty, Director Finance and CMD I/C, R A Khale, Director Marketing, IREL, Anuttam Mishra, Director Technical of IREL and other officials at an event held at Mumbai. The collaboration envisages joint initiatives including resource identification, acquisition of mining assets, development of processing technologies, establishment of joint ventures where necessary, and leveraging each other's expertise in mineral beneficiation and value chain development. The MoU also includes provisions for technical support, conduct of feasibility studies, and knowledge sharing in the rapidly evolving domain of critical minerals. This strategic partnership underscores the commitment of both NLCIL and IREL to contribute to the Government of India’s vision of self-reliance in critical minerals crucial for energy security, high-tech applications, and national defence.