The Madhya Pradesh government’s Principal Secretary (Mining), Umakant Umarao, Thursday, while speaking on the importance of rare earth minerals being found in the state’s Singrauli district, said that the elements will help in India’s future in the sectors of clean energy, defence, and technology.
“The discovery of rare earth elements in Singrauli is not just about minerals, it is about India’s future in clean energy, defence, and technology. Madhya Pradesh is ready to transform coal by-products into strategic resources and invite global partners to join us in building a self-reliant value chain,” Umarao said at the Mining Conclave 2025, in Katni.
According to a statement by the Madhya Pradesh government, scientists have found concentrations of rare earth minerals in the coal belt of Singrauli — around 250 ppm in coal and 400 ppm in non-coal layers. The statement added that Coal India Ltd, along with IIT Hyderabad, IMMT Bhubaneswar and NFTDC Hyderabad, is testing technologies to extract these elements from coal ash.
The principal secretary further noted that the recent discovery “showed India’s geological strength. “What we need now is investment in processing, partnerships for advanced technologies, and a vision that connects our mineral base with the industries of the future. Madhya Pradesh is committed to creating that ecosystem,” Umarao added.
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