Rare Earth Riches Unearthed in Singrauli Coalfields!

Promising reserves of rare earth elements (REEs) have been identified in the Singrauli coalfields of Madhya Pradesh, according to Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy’s statement to Parliament on July 28, 2025.

The discovery follows detailed research by Coal India Ltd. (CIL), which analyzed Gondwana sediments—coal, clay, shale, and sandstone. REEs like scandium and yttrium are critical for clean energy, electronics, electric vehicles, and other high-tech applications.

"Appraisal results indicate REE enrichment of 250 ppm in coal and 400 ppm in non-coal samples," the minister noted in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. He clarified that while the findings are promising, commercial extraction will depend on future technological and economic viability.

In comparison, coalfields in the North Eastern Region show lower overall REE presence but relatively higher concentrations of heavy REEs. Indigenous technologies are being developed to enable REE extraction from overburden and associated strata.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.