India Unearths Rare Earth Riches from Coal Waste!

In a major development, Indian coal mines have begun extracting rare earth elements (REEs) from mining waste as part of a nationwide exploration initiative. Starting June 2025, all mines in India are required to test waste materials—such as overburden, tailings, and rejects—for the presence of critical minerals.

This strategic initiative supports the goals of India’s National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), which aims to reduce reliance on imports and improve the country’s resource efficiency. According to Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) Chairman N. Balram, studies conducted by the Non-ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC) found that one kilogram of scandium and strontium can be extracted from every 15 tonnes of clay at the Sathupalli and Ramagundam open-cast mines in Telangana. Commercial supply is expected to begin by August 2025.

Scandium is critical in aerospace, fuel cells, and sporting goods, while strontium is used in ceramics, magnets, medicines, and electronics. This move comes amid global supply chain uncertainties and concerns over China’s dominance in the REE market, which currently controls 60% of global production and 90% of processing.

To hedge risks and secure future supplies, India is also exploring partnerships with Australia, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, aiming to build a more diversified and resilient critical minerals supply chain.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.