SECL Identifies Seven Mine Dumps for Rare Earth Exploration, Eyes Value Unlock from Coal Waste

SECL Begins Exploration Push for Rare Earth Elements in Overburden Dumps​

New Delhi, February 25: South Eastern Coalfields Ltd has identified seven mine dumps for the potential extraction of rare earth elements, marking a strategic move to unlock value from coal mine waste.

The company, a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd, has detected trace amounts of rare earth elements in overburden dumps across major coalfields. The initiative is expected to support efforts to reduce import dependence and diversify resource recovery from existing mining operations.

Tendering Process Underway for Scientific Assessment​

SECL Chairman and Managing Director Harish Duhan said the tendering process for exploration has already commenced. The company plans to carry out a scientific assessment of the identified dumps over the next year to determine commercially viable sites.

According to Duhan, seven mine dumps have been shortlisted under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal. The ongoing process will help pinpoint specific locations where rare earth elements are present in extractable quantities.

Aligning with Government’s Resource Optimization Strategy​

The move aligns with the government’s broader push to extract additional value from coal mine overburden and waste materials. By targeting rare earth elements embedded in mine dumps, SECL is positioning itself to tap into strategic minerals without initiating new mining blocks.

Rare earth elements are critical inputs across multiple industries, and their recovery from existing coalfield waste could create a secondary resource stream while improving overall mining efficiency.

The next year will be crucial as SECL completes exploration and determines the feasibility of extracting rare earth elements from the identified dumps.