NLC India Ltd Signs MoU with CSIR-CECRI for Critical Mineral Beneficiation Technologies

NLC India Ltd Signs MoU with CSIR-CECRI for Critical Mineral Beneficiation Technologies​

NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi. The agreement, formalized on June 10, 2026, at Neyveli, aims to foster collaboration in critical and strategic minerals beneficiation and extraction technologies, significantly advancing the objectives of the Government of India's National Critical Mineral Mission.

The MoU was signed by Shri I.S. Jasper Rose, Executive Director (Mines & Land), NLCIL, and Dr. K. Ramesha, Director of CSIR-CECRI. Present during the signing were Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director, NLCIL, alongside Suresh Chandra Suman, Director (Mines), Samir Swarup, Director (HR), and Rajesh Pratap Singh Sisodia, Director (Planning & Projects) & (Power) Addi Charge, NLCIL.

Focus on Secondary Resource Recovery​

The collaboration centers on detailed studies of overburden materials and tailings generated from NLCI L's Neyveli Mines. These studies will assess the potential for extraction and recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other trace elements. The partnership is designed not only to address specific site resources but also to explore similar opportunities across NLCIL’s broader mining and exploration projects, with a view toward developing sustainable and economically viable technologies for resource recovery from secondary sources.

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, which examines the potential recovery of these essential minerals from secondary resources like mine waste, lignite/coal, tailings, and overburden.

Advancing National Resource Security​

Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director of NLC India Limited, stated that the partnership between NLCIL and CSIR-CECRI will strengthen research efforts for beneficiation and extraction of REEs and other critical minerals found in overburden and tailings. He emphasized that the collaboration is crucial for developing innovative technologies to unlock the value of these resources, contributing to the National Critical Mineral Mission and supporting India's self-reliance in critical minerals, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Dr K. Ramesha, Director at CSIR-CECRI, highlighted that both NLCIL and CSIR-CECRI have long-standing contributions to the nation and hold a strong presence in Tamil Nadu. He expressed confidence that this strategic partnership will lead to meaningful technological advancements in critical and strategic minerals, thereby bolstering India's efforts towards resource security and self-reliance within global critical mineral supply chains.

NLCINDIA Stock Price Movement​

Shares of NLC India Limited today slipped by 0.02% to settle at ₹309.55 after closing trading. The stock saw active movement, posting a traded volume totaling 11.5 million shares.