IREL (India) Limited, a public sector enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy, has significantly enhanced its rare earth processing capabilities to meet the growing demand for critical minerals. The company operates several facilities dedicated to the extraction and refinement of rare earth elements (REEs), which are essential for various high-tech applications, including electronics, renewable energy technologies, and defense systems.
Expansion of Processing Facilities
IREL has undertaken substantial expansions to increase its processing capacity. The Rare Earths Division (RED) in Aluva, Kerala, has been refurbished to process mixed rare earth chlorides, producing high-purity individual rare earth compounds such as lanthanum, cerium, neodymium-praseodymium, samarium, gadolinium, and yttrium in oxide and oxalate forms with purity levels exceeding 99%. This facility also produces strategic materials for the Department of Atomic Energy.
In Odisha, the Odisha Sand Complex (OSCOM) and the Rare Earth Extraction Plant (REEP) have been established to process monazite, a primary source of REEs. These plants produce mixed rare earth chlorides and other by-products, contributing significantly to India’s rare earth supply chain.
Strategic Initiatives and Future Plans
IREL is actively working to expand its rare earth processing capabilities to support India’s clean energy transition and reduce dependence on foreign sources. The company aims to increase its mining capacity from the current 10 million tonnes to 50 million tonnes per year by the end of 2032.
Additionally, IREL has set up a Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Plant in Visakhapatnam, based on indigenous technology developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL). This plant produces samarium-cobalt permanent magnets, which are crucial for various applications, including electric vehicles and wind turbines.
Collaboration and Policy Support
The Indian government recognizes the strategic importance of rare earth elements and is implementing policies to bolster domestic processing capabilities. IREL’s initiatives align with national objectives to enhance self-reliance in critical minerals and reduce dependence on imports. Collaborations with international partners are also being explored to strengthen India’s position in the global rare earth market.
Through these strategic expansions and initiatives, IREL (India) Limited is playing a pivotal role in enhancing India’s rare earth processing capabilities, thereby contributing to the nation’s technological advancement and economic growth.
