Singareni CMD secures place in national critical mineral development committee

SCCL Chairman and Managing Director N. Balram has been appointed to a national-level committee formed by NITI Aayog to identify and explore critical minerals across India. Headed by Dr. D.K. Singh of IIT–ISM, the committee includes leaders from major mining corporations and research institutes.

Peddapalli: Chairman and Managing Director, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), N Balram has been appointed as a member of the national-level committee constituted to identify, explore and facilitate the production of critical minerals located across various regions of the country.

NITI Aayog on Wednesday constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Advisor (Minerals), IIT–ISM, Dr DK Singh. It includes the Director of the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Singareni CMD as well as the Chairmen of NLC India, Coal India, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation, along with six other members representing various industrial sectors.

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The committee has been tasked with identifying at least 10 types of critical minerals that may be found in opencast mine overburdens, underground mines, fly ash and bottom ash from thermal power plants, as well as in coal seams.

The committee will identify the presence of critical minerals in a minimum of 20 locations across the country, collect samples, conduct analysis, undertake exploration, and examine the feasibility of mineral production. It has been directed to submit a comprehensive study report within one year.