Coal India, the world’s largest coal producer, is evaluating bauxite opportunities in Ghana as the Indian state-controlled company searches for mineral assets outside its traditional coal business.
The interest forms part of a wider plan to establish Coal India’s first overseas trading office in Singapore, which would support mineral trading and possible acquisitions in Africa and other regions.
Reuters reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the plans, that the company had started the process of registering the Singapore office.
The proposed hub would examine opportunities involving iron ore, lithium, bauxite, rare earths and other minerals. Coal India is also evaluating assets in Chile, Canada and Australia.
The Ghanaian interest remains preliminary. No particular mine, deposit or company has been identified, while there is no public evidence that Coal India has begun negotiations with Ghanaian authorities.
