Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (GMDC) has signed a strategic partnership with the University of Cambridge to set up a dedicated Rare Earth Observatory at the International Centre of Excellence in Mining (iCEM) in Gujarat.
The initiative will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create an advanced intelligence platform capable of tracking the entire Rare Earth Elements (REE) value chain in real time. The platform will monitor key indicators such as global price trends, processing capacities, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical developments and market dynamics, offering end-to-end visibility from mine to magnet.
The collaboration combines GMDC’s expertise in mining operations with the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), whose Industrial Resilience Group is internationally recognised for research in critical mineral supply chains, ESG integration and AI-powered industrial analytics.
Structured as a two-year programme with an investment of £600,000, the project aims to develop scalable and practical intelligence tools that can strengthen rare earth supply chain resilience while positioning Gujarat and India as key players in the global critical minerals ecosystem.
According to an official release, India’s demand for rare earth permanent magnets (REPMs) is expected to double by 2030, driven by rapid growth in electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies and defence manufacturing. The proposed Observatory seeks to address the need for real-time, evidence-based intelligence to support policymaking, industrial procurement strategies and strategic stockpiling decisions.
Through iCEM, the partnership will provide access to Cambridge’s cutting-edge research capabilities and global knowledge network, integrating advanced analytical tools with India’s on-ground mining operations.
Speaking on the development, GMDC Managing Director Roopwant Singh, IAS, said rare earth elements have emerged as a strategic national asset rather than merely a commodity. He noted that the AI-powered Observatory would help create an intelligence architecture for the rare earth sector, enabling India to strengthen its strategic capabilities and enhance supply chain security in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Officials said the project marks a significant step towards building a robust and data-driven rare earth ecosystem capable of supporting India’s long-term industrial, energy and technological ambitions.