In a landmark achievement that places India among a select group of global innovators, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has launched BARC–B1401, India’s first indigenously developed Certified Reference Material (CRM) for Rare Earth Elements (REE). This breakthrough strengthens the country’s scientific, industrial, and strategic capabilities—bringing India closer to complete self-reliance in critical mineral analysis.
The CRM, named Ferrocarbonatite (BARC–B1401), was officially unveiled by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, DAE and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, in the presence of top DAE scientists and officials.
A Historic Milestone for India’s Rare Earth Future
With this launch, India becomes only the fourth nation in the world capable of producing ISO-compliant Rare Earth CRMs—crucial materials used for global-standard mineral testing, exploration, and high-precision scientific research.
Rare Earth Elements are the backbone of modern industries including:
●Electric vehicles
●Renewable energy systems
●Defence technologies
●Semiconductors
●High-performance magnets
●Aerospace and advanced electronics
By developing its own REE CRM, India reduces dependence on foreign laboratories while strengthening its supply chain for future strategic technologies.
A Powerful Collaboration Between BARC and AMD
Ferrocarbonatite (BARC–B1401) is the result of a deep scientific collaboration between two premier DAE institutions:
◆NCCCM, BARC – Experts in compositional characterization
◆Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) – India’s leading mineral exploration agency
Together, they created a CRM that meets international standards, helping laboratories across India conduct precise REE analysis without relying on expensive imported CRM samples.
ISO-Compliant & Technologically Advanced
BARC–B1401 meets strict ISO certification norms and provides validated values for:
●13 Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
●6 major elements used in geological and material sciences
With this, India can now independently support world-class research in mineral exploration, metallurgy, nuclear science, and advanced materials.
Top Atomic Scientists Attend the Launch
The high-profile launch ceremony was attended by key DAE leaders, including:
Mr. Vivek Bhasin, Director, BARC
Mr. Dheeraj Pande, Director, AMD
Dr. A.C. Bhasikuttan, Associate Director, Chemistry Group, BARC
Mr. K. Jayakumar, Controller, BARC
Dr. K. Dash, Head, NCCCM–BARC
Mr. Daniel P. Babu, TT&CD, BARC & PA&MID, DAE
Their presence underscores the national importance of developing indigenous solutions for critical minerals.
A Big Push to Atmanirbhar Bharat
This indigenous CRM will:
●Upgrade India’s mineral testing standards
●Strengthen defence and strategic research
●Support high-tech manufacturing
●Improve the accuracy of scientific laboratories
●Boost India’s global competitiveness in critical minerals
It marks a pivotal step in building a self-reliant rare earth ecosystem, vital for India’s technological leadership and national security.
