NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) and CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI) sign MoU for critical mineral extraction

Exam-focused facts from the 12 June 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi, to collaborate on critical and strategic mineral beneficiation and extraction technologies.
The partnership will study overburden and tailings from NLCIL's Neyveli mines to assess the potential recovery of rare-earth elements (REEs) and other trace minerals.
The collaboration may extend to other NLCIL mining projects to evaluate mineral recovery from secondary resources.
This agreement is aimed at advancing the objectives of the Government of India's National Critical Mineral Mission.
The strategic partnership seeks to support India's resource security and self-reliance in critical mineral supply chains.