NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi, to collaborate on critical and strategic mineral beneficiation and extraction technologies. The partnership aims to support India’s National Critical Mineral Mission by exploring the recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other valuable minerals from mine waste, overburden and tailings.
✅ NLC India Limited signs MoU with CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi.
✅ Collaboration focuses on critical and strategic mineral extraction technologies.
✅ Studies to assess recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from mine waste and overburden.
✅ Initiative supports India’s National Critical Mineral Mission.
✅ Research to be conducted at NLCIL’s Neyveli mining operations.
✅ Partnership aims to strengthen India’s critical mineral self-reliance.
✅ Supports the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
New Delhi, June 12: In a major step toward strengthening India’s critical mineral ecosystem, NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi, for collaboration in critical and strategic mineral beneficiation and extraction technologies.
The agreement was signed on June 10, 2026, at Neyveli and aligns with the Government of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission, which seeks to secure the country’s long-term access to strategic mineral resources essential for advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies and industrial growth.
The MoU was signed by Shri I.S. Jasper Rose, Executive Director (Mines & Land), NLCIL, and Dr. K. Ramesha, Director, CSIR-CECRI, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations, including NLCIL Chairman and Managing Director Prasanna Kumar Motupalli.
The collaboration will focus on studying overburden materials, mine waste and tailings generated from NLCIL’s Neyveli Mines to evaluate the potential recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other trace minerals.
NLCIL has been actively exploring opportunities in the critical minerals sector from both primary and secondary resources. The company is also involved in national-level initiatives examining the recovery of strategic minerals from mine waste, lignite and coal overburden, and industrial tailings.
As part of this effort, NLCIL has already undertaken extensive studies on the occurrence and extraction potential of Rare Earth Elements and associated critical minerals from secondary resource materials.
Under the newly signed agreement, both organizations will jointly conduct detailed scientific assessments and research programmes aimed at developing economically viable and environmentally sustainable technologies for mineral recovery.
The partnership will not only focus on Neyveli but will also explore similar opportunities across other NLCIL mining and exploration projects in different parts of the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director of NLC India Limited, emphasized that the collaboration would significantly strengthen research efforts related to the beneficiation and extraction of critical minerals from secondary resources.
He noted that innovative technologies developed through the partnership could help unlock the economic value of mine waste and tailings while contributing to India’s resource security and industrial growth.
According to Motupalli, the initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission and supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which emphasizes technological innovation, self-reliance and sustainable development.
Critical minerals and Rare Earth Elements are increasingly important for sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, defence technologies and advanced manufacturing, making their domestic availability a strategic priority for India.
Dr. K. Ramesha, Director of CSIR-CECRI, highlighted that both institutions have served the nation for more than seven decades and have established strong research and industrial capabilities.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would generate meaningful scientific outcomes and technological breakthroughs that could strengthen India’s position in global critical mineral supply chains.
The collaboration is expected to contribute significantly toward reducing dependence on imports of strategic minerals while promoting sustainable resource utilization and circular economy practices.
The NLC India-CSIR-CECRI partnership represents an important milestone in India’s efforts to secure critical mineral resources and develop indigenous extraction technologies. By focusing on Rare Earth Elements and mineral recovery from secondary resources, the collaboration supports national goals of resource security, technological self-reliance, clean energy transition and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Q1. What is the purpose of the MoU between NLC India and CSIR-CECRI?
The MoU aims to develop technologies for beneficiation and extraction of critical and strategic minerals, including Rare Earth Elements, from mine waste and secondary resources.
Q2. What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)?
Rare Earth Elements are a group of critical minerals widely used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, electronics, defence equipment and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Q3. Which mission does this collaboration support?
The partnership supports the Government of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission.
Q4. Where will the studies initially be conducted?
Research will initially focus on overburden and tailings generated from NLCIL’s Neyveli mining operations.
Q5. Why are critical minerals important for India?
Critical minerals are essential for energy transition technologies, strategic industries, manufacturing growth and reducing dependence on imports.
