Rare earth elements have become the center of a high-stakes policy debate in India.
Experts Dr. N Bhanumathidas and N Kalidas warn that the current plan to extract the rare earth elements minerals from fly ash is a strategic error. A technical review suggests this path is both economically unviable and ecologically damaging. India is currently racing for self-reliance under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat mission. Targeting trace minerals in waste may leave a massive toxic liability for future generations.
Economic risks of fly ash:
Extracting rare earth elements from fly ash faces heavy criticism for poor commercial returns. India holds the world’s third-largest rare earth elements resource, yet focuses on materials with only 0.04% concentration. Processing one ton of fly ash yields minerals worth just ₹1,856. In contrast, that same ton can produce bricks worth over ₹6,000. High chemical costs lead to a net loss of over one lakh rupees per ton processed.
Environmental concerns:
According to the consultants, the environmental cost of this extraction is significant. Processing fly ash involves heavy acids that strip the material of its reactive phases. This leaves behind a 99.96% residue that is useless for construction. What was once a secondary raw material becomes a permanent environmental hazard. Experts argue this project of appeasement ignores the long-term safety of the country’s soil and air.
Prioritizing coastal reserves:
The consultants urge the government to pivot back to India’s vast coastal monazite sands. These sands contain up to 60% rare earth elements, making extraction ten times cheaper than the fly ash route. The review recommends refining operations at existing plants like Kollam to meet safety norms. Scaling up production from these high-grade natural reserves is the only way to win the global race for critical minerals.
The strategic alternative:
To correct this course, experts are recommending a pivot back to India’s monazite sands, which contain up to 60% rare earth elements content. The proposed strategy includes:
Scaling Monazite Production: Replicating disciplined, coast-based plants to harness high-grade ores.
Fly Ash Repurposing: Redirecting research toward manufacturing high-value complementary cement materials (CCM) rather than mineral extraction.
