Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (GMDC) has taken a major step forward in developing its rare earth capabilities with the acquisition of an indigenous processing technology from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a premier research institution under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. The technology transfer for GMDC’s Ambadungar Rare Earth Project was formalised at the BARC campus in Trombay in the presence of senior leadership from BARC and officials of GMDC.
The transferred technology, developed entirely in India, is titled “Process for the Recovery of Rare Earth Values from Ankeritic Ore Body of Ambadungar, Gujarat, India (CH48MinD).” It enables the production of Mixed Rare Earth Concentrate (MREC) from Ambadungar’s hard-rock ankeritic ore and addresses ore-specific processing challenges unique to the deposit. The process establishes a technically sound pathway for pilot-scale operations and future project advancement.
GMDC plans to initially deploy the technology at the pilot scale with continued technical support from BARC. The pilot phase will focus on process validation, recovery optimisation, and environmental performance assessment before progressing to subsequent development stages. The Corporation also intends to utilise its promoted institution, the International Center of Excellence in Mining Safety and Automation (iCEM), Ahmedabad, to support pilot-scale operations and analytical testing, helping accelerate timelines while strengthening institutional capabilities.
Commenting on the development, Shri Roopwant Singh, IAS, Managing Director of GMDC, said the technology transfer marks a meaningful milestone in the Corporation’s rare earth journey. He noted that it enhances GMDC’s ability to build a responsible, end-to-end rare earth value chain aligned with India’s critical minerals strategy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
GMDC is a state-owned mining enterprise of the Government of Gujarat and one of India’s leading lignite producers, operating mines across Kutch, South Gujarat, and the Bhavnagar region. The Corporation is recognised as the country’s largest merchant seller of lignite and maintains a strong focus on responsible resource development. Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) is a state-owned enterprise established in 1963 by the Government of Gujarat with the objective of developing and managing the state’s mineral resources. GMDC plays a significant role in the exploration, mining, processing, and marketing of a wide range of minerals, contributing to industrial growth and economic development in Gujarat. The corporation primarily focuses on lignite, bauxite, fluorspar, limestone, and manganese, which are essential raw materials for industries such as power generation, cement, chemicals, ceramics, and metallurgy.
One of GMDC’s major contributions is in the energy sector through lignite mining, which supports power plants and helps meet the growing electricity demand of the state. In addition to mining activities, GMDC emphasizes sustainable development by adopting environmentally responsible mining practices, land reclamation, and afforestation programs. The corporation also invests in modern technology and infrastructure to improve productivity and safety in mining operations.
GMDC actively supports local communities by generating employment opportunities and undertaking social welfare initiatives in health, education, and skill development. By balancing economic growth with environmental and social responsibility, GMDC has established itself as a key driver of Gujarat’s mineral-based industries. Overall, GMDC continues to play a vital role in the state’s industrial progress and resource management.
