India's Mineral Future: SCCL + CSIR-IMMT

Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR–IMMT), Odisha to collaborate on the exploration and production of critical minerals. The partnership focuses on deploying advanced, environmentally sustainable technologies for detecting, extracting, and utilizing critical minerals within SCCL’s mining areas.

Under the MoU, CSIR–IMMT will provide comprehensive technical support, ensuring the adoption of modern and eco-friendly production methods. This initiative forms a key part of SCCL’s business diversification strategy and aligns with Central and State Government directives to expand into the critical minerals sector.

SCCL has also initiated discussions with Australia on rare earth element (REE) production, potentially leveraging CSIR–IMMT’s expertise in this international engagement. Preliminary studies by CSIR–IMMT have identified the presence of REEs in fly ash, coal, and interseam clay from SCCL’s ongoing mining operations.

This strategic collaboration represents a significant step toward enhancing India's self-reliance in critical and strategic mineral resources and reducing import dependency.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.