Singareni Collieries and IMMT Sign MoU to Explore Critical Minerals
IMMT will lead follow-up studies to refine eco-friendly extraction methods after tests confirmed rare earth elements in SCCL’s coal deposits as well as fly ash from its thermal power plant.
Overview
- The MoU signed on June 12 in Bhubaneswar marks SCCL’s formal entry into critical minerals under India’s drive for domestic rare earth production.
- Initial assessments reveal 14 rare earth minerals—six light (lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium) and eight heavy (yttrium, scandium, dysprosium)—in open-cast coal sites and power plant fly ash.
- Geological Survey of India sampling confirmed REEs in Durgam Gutta near Manuguru at an average concentration of 266.21 ppm.
- IMMT will provide full technical support and ensure environmentally sustainable extraction methods before commercial production begins.
- SCCL is exploring collaborations with Australian partners to scale up critical minerals output.