Coal news and updates

SCCL inks deal with CSIR-IMMT for key mineral exploration

June 13: Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and its affiliate, the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), to receive technical support for the exploration of key minerals. The agreement, structured as a joint partnership, aims to facilitate the exploration of various types of critical minerals found within SCCL’s coal mines and surrounding areas. It also focuses on the use of advanced technology in mineral production, along with environmental sustainability. According to the agreement, CSIR and IMMT will provide full technical support to SCCL, including the deployment of eco-friendly technologies during the production process. Balram said rare earth elements (REEs) have already been detected in some of SCCL’s open-cast mines, and similar elements were found in fly ash generated by the Singareni Thermal Power Plant. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirmed through sampling that the Durgamgutta block near Manuguru contains REEs with an average concentration of 266.21 ppm. Preliminary analysis by IMMT has also validated the presence of rare earth elements in fly ash, coal, and shale clay. The MoU with IMMT is a continuation of these findings, Balram added.