NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI) to foster collaboration in critical and strategic mineral beneficiation and extraction technologies. This partnership aims to advance the Government of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission by exploring new recovery methods for rare earth elements and other trace minerals from secondary sources like overburden and mine waste.
Strategic Partnership for Mineral Innovation
In a significant move to bolster India’s capabilities in critical minerals, NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi. This collaboration, formalized on June 10, 2026, at Neyveli, focuses on advancing technologies for the beneficiation and extraction of critical and strategic minerals.
Objectives and Scope of the Collaboration
The MoU is aligned with the objectives of the Government of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission. NLCIL, actively involved in exploring and developing critical minerals from primary and secondary sources, sees this partnership as crucial. The company’s Chairman and Managing Director is a member of a committee established by NITI Aayog to examine the potential recovery of these vital minerals from secondary resources, including overburden, lignite/coal, mine waste, and tailings. NLCIL has already conducted extensive studies on the occurrence and recovery potential of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other trace elements from such materials.
Under the terms of this MoU, detailed studies will be undertaken on the overburden materials and tailings generated from NLCIL’s Neyveli Mines. The goal is to assess the potential for extracting and recovering REEs and other trace elements. Furthermore, the collaboration will explore similar opportunities across NLCIL’s other mining and exploration projects, with the aim of developing sustainable and economically viable technologies for resource recovery from secondary sources.
Vision for Self-Reliance and Technological Advancement
Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director of NLC India Limited, emphasized that this collaboration will significantly strengthen research efforts in the beneficiation and extraction of REEs and other critical minerals. He highlighted that the partnership is expected to drive the development of innovative and sustainable technologies, unlocking the value of these resources. This initiative directly contributes to the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission and aligns with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by enhancing India’s self-reliance in critical minerals, fostering technological innovation, and securing a sustainable energy future.
Dr. K. Ramesha, Director of CSIR-CECRI, expressed confidence that this strategic partnership will yield significant research outcomes and technological advancements in the critical and strategic minerals sector. He noted the long-standing presence of both NLCIL and CSIR-CECRI in serving the nation for over seven decades and their strong footing in Tamil Nadu.
Source: BSE
