(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)| Market Feature| Amid rising global concerns over China’s attempt to control the supply of rare earth elements, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), a state-run enterprise, has quietly emerged as a market outperformer. The company’s shares have surged nearly 18% over the last eight trading sessions, remaining unbeaten for six consecutive days.

On Thursday, GMDC shares rose by 2.5% to touch a day’s high of ₹420.90 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), drawing considerable investor attention. Trading volumes on the BSE were up by 1.11 times compared to the previous session, underlining the growing momentum behind the smallcap stock.

In the past month alone, GMDC has delivered an impressive 40% return, vastly outperforming the broader benchmark indices — Nifty and Sensex — which have gained around 5% and 4%, respectively, during the same period. Over the last three months, GMDC’s gains have surged to 62%, showcasing a strong reversal in market sentiment.

GMDC, which holds the distinction of being India’s leading mining and mineral processing company, is also the country’s largest merchant seller of lignite and the second-largest producer of lignite. With a market capitalisation now standing at ₹13,160 crore, the stock has recovered sharply from its 52-week low of ₹226.59 recorded on March 3. It is currently just 6% away from its 52-week high of ₹439.90.

The rising interest in GMDC comes as India looks to reduce its dependence on external sources for critical minerals and strengthens domestic supply chains. In this backdrop, GMDC’s robust rally is being seen as more than just a short-term trend — potentially reflecting a strategic revaluation of the company’s long-term role in India’s mineral security landscape.