IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Inaugurates CoRE-MiN: A Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals
New Delhi – The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, in collaboration with its Technology Translation Research Park, TEXMiN, has inaugurated the Centre of Research Excellence in Mining and Innovation for Critical Materials (CoRE-MiN). This Centre is recognized as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
Inauguration Ceremony
The formal inauguration took place on December 26, 2025, and was officiated by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, the Honourable Union Minister of Coal and Mines. The event was attended by notable figures including Shri B. Sairam, Chairman of Coal India Limited, and Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman of the Hub Governing Board of the TEXMiN Foundation.
This inauguration signifies the operational launch of CoRE-MiN, which builds on IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s previous recognition as one of the nine Centres of Excellence under the NCMM. The Centre aims to enhance India’s scientific, technological, and industrial capabilities across the critical minerals value chain.
Objectives and Goals of CoRE-MiN
CoRE-MiN is anchored at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, serving as the academic hub, and operates in close collaboration with TEXMiN, which acts as the translational and industry-interface backbone of the Centre. The Centre is supported by an extensive consortium of national and international partners, including:
- IIT Gandhinagar
- IIT BHU
- Curtin University
- University of Cambridge
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
These institutions contribute advanced research expertise in areas such as exploration, processing, and critical mineral systems. Additionally, industry collaboration is facilitated by key Indian mining and mineral organizations, including:
- Hindustan Copper Limited
- MOIL Limited
- Maheshwari Mining
- Odisha Mining Corporation
- Jindal Steel
- Elitech Earth Science
- CPI
- Novasensa
- CODELCO
This integrated partnership model ensures that CoRE-MiN delivers scientifically rigorous, industry-ready, and globally benchmarked solutions aligned with India’s National Critical Mineral Mission and its strategic objectives for self-reliance.
Research Agenda
The research agenda of CoRE-MiN is closely aligned with the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission. Key focus areas include:
- AI/ML-enabled mineral exploration
- Digital rock-core characterization
- Real-time traceability of critical raw materials
- Advanced beneficiation and recycling solutions
These initiatives aim to strengthen secure and resilient supply chains for minerals essential to clean energy, e-mobility, electronics, defense, and other strategic sectors.
Statements from Leadership
Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, emphasized the significance of the inauguration, stating, “The inauguration of CoRE-MiN marks a defining moment for IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and TEXMiN. As a recognized Centre of Excellence under NCMM, CoRE-MiN will drive impactful research and technology translation through deep academic, industrial, and international collaboration, contributing meaningfully to India’s goal of self-reliance in critical minerals.”
Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director of TEXMiN, also commented, “TEXMiN is proud to serve as the translational backbone of CoRE-MiN. Our focus will be on converting high-quality research into deployable technologies across AI-driven exploration, core digitization, traceability platforms, and pilot-scale beneficiation of critical minerals. This Centre will play a catalytic role in accelerating India’s mineral technology readiness and industry adoption.”
Significance of CoRE-MiN
The inauguration of CoRE-MiN represents a significant national commitment to developing indigenous capabilities in critical mineral exploration, processing, recycling, and advanced technologies. It fosters collaboration among academia, industry, and global research institutions, ensuring that India can meet its strategic mineral needs.
CoRE-MiN is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the country’s efforts to become self-reliant in critical minerals, which are vital for various sectors including clean energy, electronics, and defense. By leveraging cutting-edge research and technology, the Centre aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of mineral resource management in India.
Conclusion
The establishment of CoRE-MiN at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad marks a transformative step towards strengthening India’s position in the global mineral landscape. With its focus on innovation and collaboration, CoRE-MiN is set to contribute significantly to the nation’s goals of self-sufficiency and technological advancement in critical minerals.
Note: This article is based on information available as of December 2025 and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the newly inaugurated Centre of Excellence at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
