<h1>Coal India and IREL sign MoU to develop critical minerals, reducing import reliance and supporting India's clean energy goals.</h1> Coal India Limited and IREL (India) Limited signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on developing critical minerals, including mineral sands and rare earth elements. This partnership aims to reduce India's dependence on imports of minerals like lithium and cobalt, supporting the country's clean energy goals. The initiative aligns with the government's Critical Mineral Mission to boost domestic production and asset acquisition. While India has the capability to produce rare earth elements, environmental concerns such as water depletion and air pollution remain challenges in refining and processing these minerals.