EXPLORATION CAPABILITIES
The Baldota Group, has robust team of highly experienced geologists and geophysicists to support exploration of Rare Earth (RE) minerals, gold, iron and manganese ore, fertiliser minerals and base metals. We are well equipped in terms of geology, geochemistry, geophysics, drilling activities, software-based resource modelling.
Rare Earth Elements
Rare earth elements are chemical elements including Yttrium and the 15 Lanthanide elements (Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Promethium, Samarium, Europium, Gadolinium, Terbium, Dysprosium, Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Ytterbium, and Lutetium).
The applications of Rare earth compounds are diverse but have major role in promoting Green Energy.
| Rare Earth Element | Current Applications |
|---|---|
| Yttrium | Phosphors, ceramics, alloys |
| Lanthanum | EV Batteries, catalysts for petroleum refining |
| Cerium | Auto catalysts, Chemical Catalyst, glass polishing, misch metal |
| Praseodymium | High power permanent magnets, ceramic pigment(yellow) |
| Neodymium | High power permanent magnets used in EV, wind power and electronic devices |
| Promethium | Beta radiation source |
| Samarium | High temperature permanent magnets, |
| Europium | fluorescent lights |
| Gadolinium | Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, nuclear reactor control rods |
| Terbium | Phosphors for lighting, high power high temperature magnets |
| Dysprosium | High power high temperature permanent magnets, lasers |
| Holmium | Highest power permanent magnets in existence |
| Erbium | Lasers, glass colourant |
| Thulium | Ceramic magnetic materials which are still under development |
| Ytterbium | Fibre optic technology, solar panels |
| Lutetium | PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanners |
Demand for rare earths is forecast to grow strongly over coming years, driven by the following trends:
- Transition towards more renewable energy
- Advances in consumer electronic technology
- Low emission technology concepts
- Evolution in automotive and future mobility trends
OUR RARE EARTH EXPLORATION
The Baldota Group pioneered a first of its kind RE exploration in India and developed a sizable RE deposit. Due to Baldota Group's vision of diversification into exploration of technology metals it acquired a Reconnaissance Permit over an area of 77.50 square kms in 2011 for exploration of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) around Kamthai village in the Barmer district of Rajasthan in Western India. The Mining Lease (ML) application is awaited. The amendments to the MMDR Act have apparently caused delays.
The Group plans to set up complete Mine to Rare Earth Magnet value chain in India, including 5,000 tonnes per day Rare Earth Oxide production plant. This plant will have a capacity of 600tonnes per day of Neodymium and Praseodymium oxide production vital for Rare Earth magnet. To this end, Baldota Group has completed scoping studies at a renowned laboratory in Australia & further bench scale studies at a premier rare earth research institute in China.
RE Processing Research
The Baldota Group is actively engaged in the R&D in Rare Earth processing. We are researching on new applications and identifying areas of Heavy Rare Earth Elements. Few of the development activities are highlighted below:-
- Separation of rare earth elements from leach solutions of REE concentrate using innovative techniques
- Agriculture applications of rare earth elements to improve the crop yield
- Data synthesis and research into heavy rare earth elements (HREE) for exploration targets in Barmer District of Rajasthan and other parts of India.