Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India (GoI).

The agreement, signed in Hyderabad, aims to explore the presence of critical minerals and rare earth elements in the Singareni region. Preliminary studies have shown these elements exist in opencast mine overburden, fly ash from the Singareni Thermal Power Plant, and nearby hilly areas. The collaboration will promote joint research efforts at both national and international levels.

SCCL’s CMD, N Balram, emphasised that the MoU will facilitate more detailed scientific studies of these mineral deposits, which could contribute to the company's growth and the nation’s mineral resource management.