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GMDC, NMDC sign pact to explore rare earth development in GujaratThe partnership will focus on assessing the potential development of an integrated rare earth value chain in Gujarat, covering exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing and downstream applications.By Navneet Singh  March 16, 2026, 4:30:07 PM IST (Updated)2 Min ReadGujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), a Government of Gujarat enterprise, said on Monday, March 16, that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NMDC Limited, a Government of India navratna public sector undertaking, to explore opportunities for collaboration in the rare earth elements (REE) sector.

The partnership will focus on assessing the potential development of an integrated rare earth value chain in Gujarat, covering exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing and downstream applications.

As per the exchange filing, the firm informed that the collaboration will primarily explore opportunities linked to GMDC’s Ambadungar rare earth deposit, which is being positioned as a strategic initiative to strengthen India’s capabilities in the rare earths sector.

Commenting on the development, Roopwant Singh, IAS, Managing Director, GMDC, said that the the collaboration with NMDC brings together complementary institutional strengths and technical expertise to explore opportunities in the rare earth sector.

He added, "Through this initiative, GMDC aims to advance the development of a sustainable rare earth value chain while contributing to India’s critical mineral resilience and industrial progress."

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Under the MoU, both organisations will evaluate opportunities for technical collaboration, project development and potential business structures. The engagement is also expected to enable knowledge exchange, technical evaluation and coordinated efforts toward advancing rare earth resource development.

The mining firm (GMDC) said that the collaboration forms part of its broader rare earth development roadmap for the Ambadungar deposit, where the corporation has been progressing in resource utilisation, indigenous processing capabilities and pilot-stage technology validation initiatives.

It added that the initiative aligns with national priorities to strengthen domestic capabilities in critical minerals and reduce import dependence, while supporting the development of downstream industries linked to clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and strategic sectors.

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Shares of Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd closed at ₹531.00 on Monday, up ₹2.25 or 0.43% on the NSE.Continue ReadingFirst Published: Mar 16, 2026 4:28 PM ISTTagsGMDCmineralsNMDC