NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi, to jointly advance technologies related to the beneficiation and extraction of critical and strategic minerals. The collaboration, formalized on June 10, 2026, at Neyveli, is aimed at supporting the Government of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission and strengthening the country’s capabilities in the critical minerals sector.
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 senior officials from NLCIL, including Chairman and Managing Director Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Director (Mines) Dr. Suresh Chandra Suman, Director (HR) Shri Samir Swarup, and Shri Rajesh Pratap Singh Sisodia, Director (Planning & Projects) and Director (Power) (Additional Charge).
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. As part of this initiative, NLCIL has undertaken extensive studies on the occurrence and recovery potential of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other trace elements from secondary source materials.
Under this MoU, detailed studies will be undertaken on overburden materials and tailings generated from NLCI L’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, with the objective of developing sustainable and economically viable technologies for resource recovery from secondary sources.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director, NLC India Limited, emphasized that the collaboration between NLCIL and CSIR-CECRI would 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. He noted that the partnership would facilitate the development of innovative and sustainable technologies for unlocking the value of these resources, contribute to the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission, and align with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s 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 NLCIL and CSIR-CECRI 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 the field of critical and strategic minerals, thereby supporting India’s efforts towards resource security and self-reliance in critical mineral supply chains.
