Hindustan Zinc Limited has executed the Deed for
Grant of Composite Licence with the Government of Uttar Pradesh for the
Nawatola Laband Rare Earth Elements Block in Sonbhadra district.
This follows the company’s earlier announcement
of securing one of India’s first potash blocks and a rare earth elements
critical minerals block, marking the next statutory milestone in Hindustan
Zinc’s critical minerals journey.
Spread across 210.01 hectares, the Nawatola
Laband REE Block is located in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. The Composite Licence
allows Hindustan Zinc to undertake reconnaissance, prospecting and exploration
activities in line with the licence terms and applicable statutory provisions.
Upon successful completion of exploration and
fulfilment of the required conditions under applicable mining laws, the company
will be eligible to seek a mining lease for the block.
Rare earth elements are critical inputs for clean
energy technologies, electronics, defence, electric mobility and advanced
manufacturing. The development therefore assumes importance at a time when
India is seeking to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic
exploration of minerals that are central to future industrial and energy
security.
The development strengthens Hindustan Zinc’s
position in India’s emerging critical minerals ecosystem and aligns with the
country’s broader focus on building domestic capabilities in rare earths and
strategic minerals that are important for clean energy, advanced manufacturing
and long-term resource security.
The filing confirms that the Composite Licence
has been executed for the 210.01-hectare Nawatola Laband REE Block and that it
enables reconnaissance, prospecting and exploration activities.
The development has brought Hindustan Zinc into
market focus, as investors track the company’s broader diversification beyond
zinc, lead and silver into critical minerals and rare earth elements.