The Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL) signed an agreement with the CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) to explore rare earth minerals present in waste generated from its coal mining operations. The study will assess materials such as shale, fly ash, bottom ash, and overburden waste—streams that hold promising potential for rare earth extraction.
SCCL Chairman N. Balram said the initiative marks a practical step toward identifying valuable minerals within existing waste deposits. Rare earth elements have already been detected at several SCCL sites, especially in opencast mines. This collaboration will now help determine whether these resources can be recovered at scale.
Driving Extraction Through Indigenous Technologies
IMMT Director Ramanuj Narayan emphasised that the research will rely on indigenous technologies. By using locally developed extraction methods, the organisation aims to strengthen India’s scientific capabilities while supporting cost-effective mineral recovery.
The approach aligns with India’s broader push for self-reliance in critical minerals essential for renewable energy, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. Key rare earth elements—such as lanthanum, cerium, and dysprosium—play a vital role in these sectors, making reduced import dependency a national priority.
Mapping Mineral Zones and Evaluating Feasibility
As part of the partnership, SCCL and IMMT will identify mineral-rich zones within the company’s operational areas. The teams will establish baselines for extraction feasibility and evaluate how processing technologies can be integrated with current mining infrastructure. These insights could ultimately guide future investments in rare earth processing facilities in the region.
Supporting India’s Critical Minerals Strategy
With India accelerating its clean energy transition and expanding domestic manufacturing, the need for reliable sources of critical minerals has intensified. The SCCL–IMMT collaboration offers a pathway to assess whether mining waste can contribute meaningfully to the country’s long-term mineral security and supply diversification. As reported by manufactuingtodayindia.com, the effort not only advances scientific research but also strengthens the foundation for a more resilient and self-sufficient critical minerals ecosystem in India.
