Strategic Initiative Details
MoU Signing and Participants
NLC India Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi on 10th June 2026 at Neyveli. The MoU was signed by Shri I.S. Jasper Rose, Executive Director (Mines & Land), NLCIL, and Dr. K. Ramesha, Director, CSIR-CECRI. The signing ceremony was attended by Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director, NLCIL; Dr. Suresh Chandra Suman, Director (Mines), NLCIL; Shri Samir Swarup, Director (HR), NLCIL; and Shri Rajesh Pratap Singh Sisodia, Director (Planning & Projects) & (Power) Addi. Charge, NLCIL.
Collaboration Scope and Objectives
The MoU establishes collaboration in the field of critical and strategic minerals beneficiation and extraction technologies. The partnership aims to advance the objectives of the Government of India's National Critical Mineral Mission. Under this MoU, detailed studies will be undertaken on overburden materials and tailings generated from NLCIL's Neyveli Mines to assess the potential for extraction and recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other trace elements. The collaboration will also explore similar opportunities across other mining and exploration projects of NLCIL.
Background and Context
NLCIL has been actively pursuing opportunities in the exploration and development of critical and strategic minerals from both primary and secondary sources. The Chairman and Managing Director of NLCIL is a member of the committee constituted by NITI Aayog to examine the potential recovery of critical and strategic minerals from secondary resources such as overburden, lignite/coal, mine waste, and tailings. NLCIL has undertaken extensive studies on the occurrence and recovery potential of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other trace elements from secondary source materials.
Expected Outcomes
The objective is to develop sustainable and economically viable technologies for resource recovery from secondary sources. The partnership aims to strengthen research efforts towards the beneficiation and extraction of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other critical minerals associated with overburden, tailings, and other secondary resources.
Leadership Commentary
Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director, emphasized that the collaboration would facilitate the development of innovative and sustainable technologies for unlocking the value of these resources. He noted this would contribute to the National Critical Mineral Mission and align with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by strengthening India's self-reliance in critical minerals, fostering technological innovation, and enabling a secure and sustainable energy future.
Dr. K. Ramesha, Director, CSIR-CECRI, highlighted that both organizations have been serving the nation for more than seven decades and have a strong presence in Tamil Nadu. He expressed confidence that this strategic partnership would lead to meaningful research outcomes and technological advancements in critical and strategic minerals, supporting India's efforts towards resource security and self-reliance in critical mineral supply chains.
Institutional Context
Both NLCIL and CSIR-CECRI have been serving the nation for more than seven decades and have a strong presence in Tamil Nadu. The collaboration represents a significant step towards advancing India's capabilities in critical mineral processing and extraction technologies.