Archive · 30 Jun 2025
India Expands Search for Rare Earth Elements in Mining Waste
India is looking for rare earth elements, which are important for making many modern things.
They are searching for these in the waste from coal mines and other places.
Scientists have found useful elements like Scandium and Strontium in some mines in Telangana.
They will start producing these soon.
This is because China controls a lot of the supply, so India wants to find its own sources and not rely on China.
India is expanding exploration for rare earth elements (REEs) in mining waste.
Exploration efforts will include coal mines and the petroleum sector.
Studies have found Scandium and Strontium in clay at Telangana coal mines.
Production of these elements is expected to start in August from these mines.
India is seeking alternative sources for REEs due to China's export restrictions.
- Who
- The Indian government, supported by the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), is leading the effort.
- What
- India is expanding exploration for rare earth elements in mining waste to achieve self-reliance.
- When
- Production of Scandium and Strontium from Telangana mines is expected to start in August.
- Where
- Exploration includes Telangana coal mines and potentially other areas nationwide.
- Why
- To secure a reliable supply of critical minerals and reduce reliance on China's REE exports.
- Elements Found
- Scandium and Strontium
- Location
- Sathupalli and Ramagundam mines, Telangana
- Mission
- National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM)
- Uses of Scandium
- Aircraft components, fuel cells, and sports goods
- Uses of Strontium
- Alloys, magnets, medicines, and cathode-ray tubes
- China's Share of REE processing
- 90%
