NLC India, CSIR Sign MoU for Critical Mineral Extraction

New Delhi, Jun 11 (PTI) State-run NLC India Ltd on Thursday said that it has signed a pact with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi, for collaboration in the field of critical and strategic minerals beneficiation and extraction technologies.

Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), detailed studies will be undertaken on overburden materials and tailings generated from NLCIL's Neyveli Mines to assess the potential for extraction and recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other trace elements.

The collaboration will also explore similar opportunities across other mining and exploration projects of NLCIL, with the objective of developing sustainable and economically viable technologies for resource recovery from secondary sources, NLC India said in a filing to BSE.

NLCIL has been actively pursuing opportunities in the exploration and development of critical and strategic minerals from both primary and secondary sources.


The Chairman and Managing Director of NLCIL, Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, is a member of the committee constituted by NITI Aayog to examine the potential recovery of critical and strategic minerals from secondary resources such as overburden, lignite/coal, mine waste, and tailings..

As part of this initiative, NLCIL has undertaken extensive studies on the occurrence and recovery potential of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other trace elements from secondary source materials.

"The collaboration...would strengthen research efforts towards the beneficiation and extraction of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other critical minerals associated with overburden, tailings, and other secondary resources," Motupalli said.

He noted that the partnership would facilitate the development of innovative and sustainable technologies for unlocking the value of these resources, contribute to the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission, and align with Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by strengthening India's self-reliance in critical minerals, fostering technological innovation, and enabling a secure and sustainable energy future.