Midwest Limited to Lead Kerala’s Rare Earth Revolution

Midwest Limited has been selected as the lead consortium partner by Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML), a Government of Kerala enterprise, for a technology development project and pilot plant focused on rare earth elements.

The collaboration represents one of the early public-private initiatives in India’s rare earth sector and is aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities across the critical minerals value chain. The project will involve establishing a pilot facility to process monazite-rich tailings and residues for the production of mixed rare earth compounds, followed by downstream separation into individual rare earth elements.

The scope of work includes mineral processing to achieve high-purity monazite concentrate, extraction of rare earth compounds, technology development, pilot plant design and installation, optimisation, research and development activities, regulatory compliance, and technical data management.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed following the required approvals from the Government of India and the Kerala government. The pilot plant is targeted for commissioning within six months of approval, with the full capital investment to be undertaken by Midwest. KMML will support the project by providing raw materials, land, utilities, and assistance with statutory clearances.

Commercial-scale production is planned through a joint venture structure, with Midwest retaining the right of first refusal for future expansion opportunities.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.