State-run Singareni plans rare earth elements processing unit, NFTDC to assist in pilot plant set-up

Hyderabad: As part of its business diversification strategy, state-run Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has taken another major step toward entering the critical minerals sector. Following the directions of the State Government, SCCL has decided to set up an experimental plant for the identification and extraction of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) within the Singareni operational areas.

In this regard, SCCL on Thursday signed an agreement with the Government of India’s premier research organization Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre ( NFTDC). On behalf of SCCL, Chairman and Managing Director N Balram signed the documents, while NFTDC Director Balasubramanian signed on behalf of the organization.

Explaining the details, CMD Balaram said that under the directions of the State Government, Singareni is accelerating its business expansion initiatives. As part of this, SCCL has decided to establish a pilot plant at Kothagudem to identify and extract Rare Earth Elements available in the Singareni region, with technical assistance from NFTDC.

He further mentioned that the pilot plant will analyze and process Rare Earth Elements found in Singareni’s overburden soil, fly ash generated from its thermal power plants, and other waste materials. Experimental production of these elements will also be undertaken.

Depending on the concentration levels, production feasibility, and commercial viability, SCCL plans to explore the possibility of setting up large-scale plants in the future.

NFTDC senior officials said that they have already initiated research within the Singareni areas and have identified traces of certain key minerals in both the overburden soil and the fly ash from Singareni’s thermal power plants. They added that the upcoming pilot plant will help generate comprehensive data and insights on the availability of these minerals.