Promising Rare Earth Reserves Unveiled in Singrauli

Significant reserves of rare earth elements have been discovered in Madhya Pradesh's Singrauli coalfields. These elements are crucial for modern technology. Despite promising findings, economic extraction depends on technological advancements. Research and collaborations are underway to extract these valuable minerals efficiently.

Significant reserves of rare earth elements have been discovered in the Singrauli coalfields of Madhya Pradesh, a development revealed to Parliament on Monday. These metallic elements, such as scandium and yttrium, play a critical role in advancing modern technology, from clean energy solutions to electronics and electric vehicles.

Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy addressed the Rajya Sabha about ongoing research and development projects led by Coal India Ltd to capitalize on these elements found in coal mine waste. The appraisal of Gondwana Sediments within the Singrauli coalfield has shown promising concentrations of rare earth elements, achieving enrichments of 250 ppm in coal samples and 400 ppm in non-coal samples.

Despite the positive findings, economic extraction will rely on technological progression and economies of scale. Collaboration efforts have been initiated by the Singareni Collieries Company Limited with leading institutions including the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology and IIT Hyderabad to develop indigenous extraction technologies and enrichment techniques.

(With inputs from agencies.)