Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) has taken a strategic step forward in its rare earths project. It received indigenous rare earth processing technology from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The technology will support GMDC’s Ambadungar Rare Earth Project. It will help develop the project systematically and responsibly to create long-term value. This move aligns with India’s critical mineral strategy.
Rare Earths Project Gains Momentum
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (GMDC) is advancing its rare earths project with technology from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The technology transfer supports GMDC’s Ambadungar Rare Earth Project, marking a strategic milestone in the company’s journey within the rare earths sector.
Indigenous Technology Transfer
The transferred technology, developed by BARC, is named “Process for the Recovery of Rare Earth Values from Ankeritic Ore Body of Ambadungar, Gujarat, India (CH48MinD)”. It is designed to produce Mixed Rare Earth Concentrate (MREC) from Ambadungar hard-rock ankeritic ore. This provides GMDC with a pathway to address ore-specific technical challenges and lays the foundation for pilot-scale validation. The technology transfer occurred in the presence of officials from both BARC and GMDC.
Pilot Scale Deployment
GMDC intends to deploy the technology initially at the pilot scale, with continuous technical support from BARC. This includes process validation, recovery optimization, and environmental performance assessment. GMDC also plans to use the International Center of Excellence in Mining Safety and Automation (iCEM) in Ahmedabad for pilot-scale and analytical testing activities to optimize timelines and strengthen institutional capabilities.
Management Commentary
Shri Roopwant Singh, IAS, Managing Director, GMDC, stated that the technology transfer from BARC is an important step. He added that it strengthens the company’s ability to develop the project systematically and responsibly, while building an end-to-end, future-ready rare earths value chain, in alignment with India’s critical mineral strategy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Source: BSE
