India discovers rare earths in coal mine waste

India Jun 30, 2025

India is about to start pulling rare earth elements (REEs) from coal mine waste—think of it as finding hidden treasures in leftovers.
This move is all about cutting down on imports and building up the country's own supply, thanks to the National Critical Minerals Mission.

15 tons of clay could yield a kilo of...

Scientists found that just 15 tons of clay from two mines could yield a kilo of scandium and strontium—metals crucial for things like aerospace parts, fuel cells, and even medical gear.
Extraction kicks off by August, making smart use of what would otherwise be tossed out.

China controls most of the world's REE market

Right now, China controls most of the world's REE market.
India wants to change that by teaming up with countries like Australia and Brazil, plus rolling out new policies and incentives to boost homegrown tech manufacturing.