Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Odisha.

According to SCCL, the joint collaboration with CSIR–IMMT will facilitate exploration, production, and application of modern technologies in the detection and utilisation of critical minerals present in SCCL’s mining areas. 

CSIR–IMMT will offer complete technical support to SCCL’s proposed initiatives in this field and ensure the use of environmentally sustainable technologies during production processes, as outlined in the agreement.

N Balram, CMD of SCCL, said that, as part of the company’s business diversification and in line with the directives of the Central and State Governments, SCCL has decided to venture into the critical minerals domain. 

Balram also said that SCCL has initiated dialogue with Australia regarding REE production and might leverage IMMT’s expertise in that venture as well. 

Preliminary investigations by CSIR–IMMT have confirmed the presence of REEs in fly ash, coal, and interseam clay from SCCL’s existing operations. With these findings in place, SCCL is now ready to commence commercial production of critical minerals.

This collaboration not only strengthens SCCL’s diversification strategy but also aligns with India’s broader agenda of reducing import dependency and building domestic capacity in strategic minerals.

Published on June 13, 2025