India is intensifying its search for rare earth elements (REEs) in coal mine overburden and mining waste, a move aimed at reducing dependence on foreign sources and promoting self-reliance under the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM). According to a report by CNBC-TV18, the exploration drive will expand to open-cast coal mines, petroleum sector waste, and mineral-rich regions across the country.
Rare Earths Found in Telangana’s Sathupalli and Ramagundam Mines
Government-backed studies conducted by the Non-ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC) have discovered trace amounts of valuable REEs, including Scandium and Strontium, in coal mine overburden at Sathupalli and Ramagundam in Telangana.
N. Balram, CMD of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), confirmed that around 1 kg of Scandium and Strontium can be extracted from every 15 tons of clay in these mines. He also stated that supply of these strategic elements is expected to begin by August 2025.
Strategic Uses of Scandium and Strontium
These rare earth elements play a critical role in several high-tech and industrial applications:
- Scandium: Used in aircraft components, fuel cells, and high-performance sports equipment.
- Strontium: Used in ferrite magnets, alloys, medical treatments, vacuum systems, and cathode-ray tubes.
The development follows global concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities, especially after China imposed export restrictions on rare earths.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had recently called these restrictions a “wake-up call”, emphasizing the urgent need for diversified and domestic sources of REEs.
To reduce reliance on China—which currently controls around 60% of rare earth magnet production and nearly 90% of global REE processing—India is actively engaging with other resource-rich nations like Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.
Strategic Importance of Rare Earths
Rare earths are essential for modern industries and are used in:
- Heavy machinery
- Electric vehicle batteries
- Renewable energy technology
- Defense systems
- Advanced electronics and robotics
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