Singareni Signs MoU with IMMT to Explore Critical Minerals Using Modern Technology

In a significant step toward diversifying its operations beyond coal, the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar. The agreement marks SCCL’s strategic entry into the critical minerals sector, with the objective of exploring and producing such minerals using modern and sustainable technology.

This collaboration underscores the growing importance of critical minerals in India’s push for technological self-reliance and clean energy transition.

According to an official release issued in Hyderabad, preliminary studies have confirmed the presence of rare earth elements (REEs) in several Singareni open-cast mines as well as in fly ash generated by the Singareni Thermal Power Plant. Additionally, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has reported the presence of REEs in the Durgam Gutta block near Manuguru, reinforcing the potential for scalable exploration.

Rare earth elements are vital for a range of high-tech and industrial applications, including electrical and electronic components, lasers, glass manufacturing, magnetic materials, and advanced industrial processes. The findings have identified 14 types of critical minerals, comprising six light REEs—such as lanthanum, cerium, and praseodymium—and eight heavy REEs, including yttrium, scandium, and dysprosium.

Under this partnership, IMMT will provide technical support throughout the exploration and production process. The institute will also ensure the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies, aligning the project with sustainability goals and minimizing ecological impact during mining and processing operations.

This MoU not only opens new avenues for SCCL’s diversification but also supports India’s broader strategy to secure critical mineral resources domestically, reducing dependency on imports and contributing to the development of key sectors such as renewable energy, defense, and electronics manufacturing.