Chennai: In a major step toward strengthening India’s mineral self-reliance, NLC India Limited has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute to develop advanced technologies for beneficiation and extraction of critical and strategic minerals, including rare earth elements (REEs).
The agreement, signed on June 10, 2026, at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, aligns with India’s National Critical Mineral Mission and long-term vision of self-reliance in key mineral resources.
Focus on Critical and Strategic Mineral Development
The collaboration aims to develop innovative technologies for:
- Beneficiation of critical minerals
- Extraction of rare earth elements (REEs)
- Processing of strategic minerals from secondary resources
The partnership will focus on improving recovery efficiency and building commercially viable solutions for India’s mineral sector.
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Study of Mine Waste, Overburden and Tailings
A key aspect of the MoU includes detailed studies of:
- Overburden materials
- Tailings from Neyveli mines
- Mine waste from coal and lignite operations
These studies will assess the feasibility of extracting valuable trace minerals and rare earth elements from secondary sources.
The scope may also extend to other mining and exploration projects of NLC India.
Strengthening India’s Critical Mineral Mission
The initiative supports the Government of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission, which aims to secure domestic supply chains for minerals essential to:
- Clean energy technologies
- Batteries and electric mobility
- Electronics and advanced manufacturing
It also aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on sustainable industrial growth and resource security.
Leadership Remarks on Strategic Collaboration
Speaking on the occasion, NLC India CMD Prasanna Kumar Motupalli highlighted that the partnership will strengthen research into extracting rare earth elements from secondary resources and contribute to technological innovation in mining.
He emphasized that the initiative will help unlock value from mine waste while supporting India’s long-term energy transition goals.
K. Ramesha noted that both institutions have a long legacy of national service and expressed confidence that the collaboration will deliver impactful research outcomes in the field of critical minerals.
Strengthening India’s Mineral Security
With global competition intensifying for rare earth elements and strategic minerals, the partnership is expected to:
- Reduce import dependency
- Strengthen domestic supply chains
- Support clean energy and industrial growth
- Enhance technological capabilities in mineral processing
The initiative represents a significant step toward building a resilient and self-sufficient mineral ecosystem in India.
About NLC India Limited
NLC India Limited is a Navratna public sector enterprise engaged in lignite mining and power generation. The company plays a key role in India’s energy sector and is increasingly focusing on sustainable mining practices and the development of technologies for extracting critical minerals from secondary resources.
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