MoU for Pioneering Rare Earth Elements Extraction from Fly Ash
Neyveli, August 11 NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for a pioneering project to extract Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from fly ash.
Under this agreement, a pilot project will be established at Neyveli with technical support from BARC to demonstrate the breakthrough process of extracting rare earth elements from fly ash by-product of thermal power generation.
This innovative approach not only addresses the challenge of fly ash management but also opens new avenues for accessing strategic materials that are critical for applications in healthcare, clean energy, high-tech manufacturing, advanced research, and national security.
Speaking on the occasion, Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman & Managing Director, NLC India Limited, said “Our partnership with BARC is a major step towards sustainable resource use, circular economy, and India’s self-reliance in critical minerals.”
Rare Earth Elements are indispensable for the manufacturing of a wide range of advanced technologies, including renewable energy systems, medical equipment, electronics, defence systems, and research applications.
Currently, global supply chains for these materials are highly concentrated, and this indigenous initiative will help reduce dependence on imports, reinforcing India’s position in the global critical minerals landscape
In his tweet, Minister of Coal Shri. G. Kishan Reddy has also lauded NLC India Limited for this milestone, highlighting it as an exemplary step in India’s journey towards strategic mineral security and environmental stewardship.
With this initiative, NLCIL continues to align its innovation-driven projects with the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring that industrial growth is achieved alongside environmental responsibility, Circular economy and sustainability.
