[SMM Iron & Steel] India's SAIL and NMDC Explore Coking Coal Asset Acquisition in Russia
State-owned miner NMDC and steelmaker SAIL are exploring the acquisition of coking coal assets in Russia to secure raw material supplies, per industry sources. India sent a delegation to Russia in May for preliminary talks, and SAIL has formed an internal panel to assess opportunities. Currently, Australia supplies over half of India's coking coal needs, with Russia holding a minor share. India is also seeking to diversify nickel imports from Russia. Coking coal has been designated a critical strategic mineral by the Indian government.