Coal India Ltd., India’s state-run coal producer, moves to diversify its resources by entering iron ore. The company says it has been declared the preferred bidder for an iron ore block in Odisha, according to a statement it has issued to stock exchanges. This follows Coal India’s effort to expand beyond its core coal business and reduce reliance on coal production. While Coal India’s announcement focuses on the preferred-bidder status for the Odisha iron ore block, the move is framed by at least one outlet as part of a broader strategy to begin mining a different commodity. The reports describe Coal India as the world’s largest coal producer and position the iron ore development as a potential new line of activity. Details such as the block’s name, approved timelines, investment size, and the transition from preferred bidder to final award are not provided in the excerpts. Both sources align on the central point: Coal India is recognized as the preferred bidder for an iron ore block in Odisha as part of its diversification.