Archive · 3 Dec 2025
SCCL and CSIR-IMMT Partner for Critical Mineral Extraction
Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) have teamed up to find and extract special minerals from coal waste.
They signed an agreement to look for these minerals in different types of waste from coal mining.
Earlier studies found 14 different minerals, including some that are important for new technologies.
The goal is to make India less dependent on imports and to find new ways to use coal waste.
Scientists will study the waste and develop ways to extract these minerals using eco-friendly methods.
This project is important for India's future in technology and energy.
SCCL and CSIR-IMMT signed an agreement to extract rare earth elements and critical minerals from coal mining waste.
The project targets minerals in shale, clay, sandstone, granite, coal fly ash, and bottom ash from Singareni regions.
Preliminary studies identified 14 minerals, including six light rare earths and eight heavy rare earths.
CSIR-IMMT will conduct detailed analysis and develop extraction processes using indigenous, eco-friendly technologies.
The collaboration aims to reduce India's import dependence and diversify SCCL beyond coal.
- Who
- Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT)
- What
- Signed an agreement to extract rare earth elements and critical minerals from coal mining waste
- When
- Following an initial MoU signed in June
- Where
- Hyderabad, with operations across Singareni regions
- Why
- To reduce import dependence, diversify SCCL, and bolster India's self-reliance in critical minerals
- Organizations Involved
- Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT)
- Materials Targeted
- Rare earth elements and critical minerals from coal mining waste
- Materials Analyzed
- Shale, clay, sandstone, granite, coal fly ash, and bottom ash
- Minerals Identified
- 14 minerals, including 6 light rare earths and 8 heavy rare earths
- Key Figures
- N. Balram (SCCL Chairman), Dr. Ramanuj Narayan (CSIR-IMMT Director), Dr. Kali Sanjay (Chief Scientist, IMMT)
- Project Significance
- Reducing import dependence and diversifying SCCL beyond coal