Midwest Ltd Named Lead Partner for KMML Rare Earth Pilot
Midwest Limited has been selected by Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd. (KMML) as the Lead Consortium Partner for a pilot project focused on processing monazite-rich tailings into rare earth elements (REEs). The project, disclosed on May 06, 2026, involves end-to-end execution including mineral processing and technology development, with Midwest Limited bearing 100% of the capital expenditure. KMML will provide raw materials, land, and utilities, while Midwest has been granted the Right of First Refusal for future commercial production.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Midwest Limited has been selected as the Lead Consortium Partner by Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd. (KMML), a Government of Kerala undertaking, for a strategic technology development and pilot plant project centred on rare earth elements (REEs). The development was disclosed pursuant to Regulation 30 read with Schedule III of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, and was intimated to the stock exchanges on May 06, 2026. This marks one of the first collaborations between the state and the private sector in this domain, supporting India's ambitions of building self-reliance and strengthening capabilities in critical minerals, especially rare earth elements.
Project Scope and Objectives
The pilot project involves the processing of monazite-rich tailings and residue to produce rare earth mixed compounds, followed by the downstream separation of Rare Earth Elements (REEs). The scope of work covers end-to-end execution, including mineral processing to produce high-purity monazite concentrate (≥96%), extraction of rare earth mixed compounds (≥99%), and their separation into individual REEs, along with technology development, pilot plant design, installation, and optimisation, as well as R&D, regulatory compliance, and technical data management. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed with KMML after KMML obtains the necessary statutory and administrative approvals from the Government of India and the Government of Kerala.
As part of the arrangement, Midwest Limited has also been granted the Right of First Refusal for commercial production through a joint venture with KMML, based on the process know-how developed from the pilot project, subject to the successful completion of the pilot phase.
Key Project Details
The following table summarises the key parameters of the contract as disclosed under the regulatory filing:
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Awarding Entity: | Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd. (KMML) |
| Nature of Engagement: | Lead Consortium Partner for pilot project |
| Project Focus: | Processing of monazite-rich tailings into rare earth elements (REEs) |
| Commissioning Timeline: | Within 6 months from receipt of approvals (extendable by up to 3 months) |
| Capital Investment: | 100% CAPEX by Midwest Limited |
| Raw Materials & Support: | Up to 50 MT of monazite tailings, up to 2 acres of land on lease (free of cost), power, water, and office space provided by KMML |
| Order Size: | Not quantifiable at this stage |
| Domestic / International: | Domestic |
| Related Party Transaction: | No |
| Promoter Interest in Awarding Entity: | No |
Regulatory and Structural Considerations
The contract does not fall within the ambit of related party transactions, and the promoter, promoter group, or group companies of Midwest Limited do not hold any interest in KMML, the entity awarding the contract. The broad consideration or size of the order is not quantifiable at this stage, as the project is at the pilot development phase with capital investment to be determined upon execution of the MoU and receipt of approvals. The intimation was signed by Kollareddy Ramachandra, Whole-time Director of Midwest Limited (DIN: 00060086), and submitted to both BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. on May 06, 2026.
Management Commentary
Commenting on the development, Mr. Kollareddy Ramachandra, Promoter, Whole-time Director, and CEO of Midwest Limited, said: "We are pleased to be selected as the Lead Consortium Partner by KMML, marking a significant milestone in our strategic journey. This project is a natural progression of our diversification into rare earths, complementing our Heavy Mineral Sands (HMS) activities in Sri Lanka. It reflects our capabilities in advanced mineral processing and aligns with India's focus on self-reliance in critical minerals. Backed by a seasoned leadership team, a diversified mineral reserve base, and a strong focus on operational efficiency, we are progressing toward becoming a world-class integrated materials processing company, with a long-term vision of being among the world's top three producers of Quartz Grit and Powder, South East Asia's largest producer of titanium feedstock, and a leading global producer of Rare Earth Oxides."
About Midwest Limited
Midwest Limited, India's largest producer of Black Galaxy and Absolute Black granite, brings over four decades of expertise in the dimensional natural stone industry. The company has expanded beyond granite into quartz processing through its operational Phase I plant, with a capacity of 3.036 lakh MTPA, catering to the Engineered Stone and Solar Glass segments, while Phase II aims to double the capacity to produce ultra-high-purity quartz. Building on its granite and quartz operations, Midwest is further diversifying into heavy mineral sands exploration (titanium feedstock yielding materials such as rutile and ilmenite) and rare earth element (REE) processing through its subsidiaries in Sri Lanka, securing four exploration licenses for potential development. These initiatives are intended to support industries such as aerospace, chemicals, automotive, electronics, and medical devices.
Historical Stock Returns for Midwest
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +4.82% | +11.13% | +9.77% | +23.54% | +20.94% | +20.94% |
If the pilot phase succeeds, how large could the commercial joint venture with KMML become, and what timeline might Midwest Limited target for exercising its Right of First Refusal?
How might India's evolving critical minerals policy and potential export restrictions on rare earth elements affect the commercial viability of this project?
Given that Midwest Limited is bearing 100% of the CAPEX, what financing strategy is the company likely to pursue, and how could this impact its balance sheet and existing operations?
































