Hindustan Power has announced that one of its group companies has received a Letter of Intent for the exploration of a platinum group elements block in Madhya Pradesh, marking its entry into India’s critical minerals sector. The allocation follows a competitive e-auction conducted by the Ministry of Mines, where the company emerged as the preferred bidder. The Padhar block, covering around 200 square kilometres, has been identified as a prospective zone for platinum group elements, along with associated zinc deposits. Commenting on the development, Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power, said, “The acquisition of this critical mineral block marks a significant step towards enhancing India’s resource security. Platinum group elements play a crucial role in enabling next-generation technologies that will drive the future of energy, mobility, and advanced manufacturing, including clean hydrogen production, fuel cells, and catalytic and electronic systems.” He further added, “Through this