Ahmedabad: NMDC Limited and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of Rare Earth Elements (REE), including exploration, mining, and processing at Ambadungar, Gujarat. The partnership aims to strengthen India’s rare earth capabilities, reduce import dependency, and support strategic sectors and clean energy technologies.
Focus Areas of the Collaboration
The MoU outlines a strategic partnership to develop an integrated rare earth value chain in Gujarat, leveraging GMDC’s Ambadungar Rare Earth deposit. The key objectives include:
- Assessing technical and commercial feasibility of rare earth projects
- Exploring joint project development and potential business structures
- Facilitating knowledge exchange and technical evaluation between NMDC and GMDC
- Advancing India’s rare earth capabilities to reduce reliance on imports
- Supporting clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and strategic sectors
Leadership Commentary
Roopwant Singh, IAS, Managing Director of GMDC, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership:
“The collaboration with NMDC brings together complementary institutional strengths and technical expertise to explore opportunities in the rare earth sector. Through this initiative, GMDC aims to advance the development of a sustainable rare earth value chain while contributing to India’s critical mineral resilience and industrial progress.”
The collaboration reflects a growing emphasis on strategic mineral development in India to support domestic manufacturing, clean energy technologies, and critical industrial sectors.
About NMDC Limited
NMDC Limited is a Navratna PSU under the Government of India and the country’s largest iron ore producer. The company focuses on exploration and mining of strategic minerals and aims to contribute to national industrial and technological development through its mining initiatives.
About GMDC
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC) is a state-owned mining corporation under the Government of Gujarat. GMDC operates five lignite mines across Kutch, South Gujarat, and Bhavnagar and is India’s largest merchant seller of lignite. The company has a strong track record in responsible mining, resource development, and supporting industrial growth.
