In a significant breakthrough, Indian coal mines have started uncovering rare earth elements (REEs) from mining waste, as part of a nationwide exploration drive. From June 2025, all Indian mines have been mandated to test waste materials—such as overburden, tailings, and rejects, for critical minerals.

This strategic move aligns with India’s National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), aimed at reducing dependence on foreign sources and enhancing resource efficiency. Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL) Chairman N Balram revealed that studies by the Non-ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC) discovered one kg of scandium and strontium per 15 tonne of clay in the Sathupalli and Ramagundam open-cast mines in Telangana. Supply of these elements is expected to begin in August 2025.

Scandium is widely used in aerospace components, fuel cells, and sporting goods, while strontium finds applications in ceramics, magnets, medicines, and electronics. The initiative gains urgency amid global supply chain disruptions and China’s dominance in the REE market, which accounts for 60 percent of production and 90 percent of processing. India is now exploring alternate sources in Australia, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile to hedge risks and build a diversified critical minerals supply chain.