Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has discovered eight strategic minerals including rare earth elements (REEs) in six of its mines in Maharashtra. The discovery was made during analysis of mining overburden and waste materials, revealing economically significant concentrations of critical minerals.
The minerals identified include Potash (K), Tellurium (Te), Titanium (Ti), Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Rhenium (Re), Selenium (Se), and Zirconium (Zr). These minerals are vital for high-tech industries such as electronics, renewable energy, aerospace, and electric vehicles.
The deposits were identified across six mines including Makardhokra-III, Durgapur OC, Gauri-Pauni, Mungoli-Nirguda, Yekona I & II, and Adasa. WCL is now exploring the possibility of diversifying into critical mineral extraction, potentially turning mining waste into valuable resources.
Why This Matters
• Strengthens India’s rare earth and critical mineral supply security
• Supports industries such as EVs, electronics, defence, and clean energy
• Converts coal mining waste into valuable strategic resources
• Helps reduce dependence on imported rare earth minerals