Tamil NaduMonday, 15 June 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
NLCIL and CSIR-CECRI sign MoU on rare earth extraction and critical minerals
NLCIL signed an MoU with CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi, to study rare earth element recovery from Neyveli mine overburden and tailings.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In June 2026, NLC India Limited signed an MoU with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, to study critical and strategic minerals beneficiation and extraction technologies from Neyveli mine overburden and tailings.
Key specifics
- The MoU was signed by I.S. Jasper Rose of NLCIL and K. Ramesha of CSIR-CECRI.
- The studies will focus on overburden materials and tailings from NLCIL mines in Neyveli.
- The aim is to assess recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other trace elements.
- The collaboration also covers other mining and exploration projects of NLCIL.
- The partnership is linked to the National Critical Mineral Mission and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Exam lens
TNPSC may ask about the institutions, Neyveli, REEs, and the National Critical Mineral Mission; this is a Tamil Nadu industry-science linkage question with direct relevance to mineral policy.