Advanced mining research receives a significant push as the R&D Centre of NMDC, Responsible Miner, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH).
The agreement marks a major step toward strengthening industry–academia collaboration to shape the future of India’s mineral and metals sector through Advanced Mining Research and indigenous technology development.
The MoU was signed by Sanjeev Sahi, ED (R&D), NMDC, and the Dean (Sponsored Research & Consultancy), IIT Hyderabad, in the presence of Prof B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad.
The partnership is aimed at advancing indigenous technology in mineral processing and allied areas, reinforcing India’s capabilities in advanced mining research.
This collaboration brings together NMDC’s field expertise and IIT Hyderabad’s academic excellence.
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Under the framework of Advanced Mining Research, both institutions will jointly drive research in iron ore beneficiation and agglomeration, green steelmaking technologies, alternate ironmaking using indigenous raw materials, and advanced modeling and simulation of mining and metallurgical processes.
The partnership will also explore new pathways in the extraction of critical and rare earth minerals from primary and secondary sources. By strengthening mineral security and resource resilience, the initiative further reinforces the national agenda of self-reliance through Advanced Mining Research and technology-driven innovation.
Aligned with the rapid digital transformation of the mining sector, the MoU will promote research and pilot initiatives in autonomous vehicle movement, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Mining 4.0 frameworks, and drone-enabled surveying and monitoring.
Through Advanced Mining Research, the collaboration seeks to integrate operational strength with research-led innovation to deliver sustainable, technology-driven solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and environmental stewardship across India’s mineral landscape.
Advanced Mining Research: Integrating Operational Strength with Research-Led Innovation
On the occasion of the MoU signing, Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, NMDC, said, “The MoU with IIT Hyderabad strengthens NMDC’s commitment to innovation through industry–academia collaboration.
By leveraging IIT Hyderabad’s research excellence and NMDC’s domain expertise, this partnership will advance indigenous technologies in mining, mineral processing, and emerging areas, contributing to sustainable development and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
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The partnership highlights NMDC’s focus on innovation-driven growth and IIT Hyderabad’s role in translating research into impactful industrial applications.
By deepening cooperation in Advanced Mining Research, both institutions aim to contribute meaningfully to India’s mineral growth trajectory and the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Significantly, the collaboration comes at a landmark moment as NMDC’s R&D Centre celebrates 50 years of dedicated contribution to India’s mineral growth story, further strengthening its legacy of research excellence and its sustained commitment to technological advancement through Advanced Mining Research.
