SCCL signs MoU with CSIR-IMMT for key mineral exploration

To explore rare earth elements in Telangana; with technical support and eco-friendly technologies, company aims to expand operations beyond coal while ensuring environmental sustainability

Karimnagar: Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and its affiliate, the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), to receive technical support for the exploration of key minerals.

The agreement was signed in the presence of NITI Aayog member and former DRDO Director General, Padma Bhushan VK Saraswat, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Thursday. SCCL Chairman and Managing Director N Balram, CSIR-IMMT Director Dr Ramanuj Narayan, and senior officials from both organisations were present at the event.

---

With SCCL venturing into the key minerals sector, the MoU is being seen as a significant first step. Explaining the rationale behind the agreement, Balram said the company had decided to foray into the field of key minerals as part of its business expansion strategy, following directions from the Central and State governments.

The agreement, structured as a joint partnership, aims to facilitate the exploration of various types of critical minerals found within SCCL’s coal mines and surrounding areas. It also focuses on the use of advanced technology in mineral production, along with environmental sustainability.

According to the agreement, CSIR and IMMT will provide full technical support to SCCL, including the deployment of eco-friendly technologies during the production process. Balram said rare earth elements (REEs) have already been detected in some of SCCL’s open-cast mines, and similar elements were found in fly ash generated by the Singareni Thermal Power Plant.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirmed through sampling that the Durgamgutta block near Manuguru contains REEs with an average concentration of 266.21 ppm. Preliminary analysis by IMMT has also validated the presence of rare earth elements in fly ash, coal, and shale clay. The MoU with IMMT is a continuation of these findings, Balram added.

He further stated that SCCL has also established collaborations with Australian entities regarding the production of key minerals, where IMMT’s services could also be utilised.

CSIR-IMMT Director Dr Ramanuj Narayan described the MoU as the beginning of a significant journey.

The agreement was formally signed by CSIR-IMMT Chief Scientist and Head of the Hydro and Electro Metallurgy Department Dr Kali Sanjay, SCCL General Manager (Exploration) B Srinivas, and General Manager (BD&SP) V Ramadasu.