University of Western Australia Collaborates with IM Mumbai and IIT ISM Dhanbad
Mumbai, December 10, 2025 – The University of Western Australia (UWA) has announced a significant partnership with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai and the Indian Institute of Technology/Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad. This collaboration aims to explore and create new opportunities in the mining sector, with a strong emphasis on logistics and sustainability.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was highlighted by UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma. He stated, “We are signing an MoU with IIM Mumbai and ISM Dhanbad to work on unlocking new opportunities in mining with a focus on logistics and sustainability.” This partnership is expected to lead to the introduction of approximately 10 micro-credential online courses initially, followed by the joint development of additional courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of the mining sector.
Focus on Sustainability and Clean Energy
Professor Chakma elaborated on the goals of the collaboration, emphasizing that the programs are designed to support India’s clean energy transition. He stated, “These programs aim to strengthen supply chain resilience and elevate the country’s minerals workforce with global best practices.” The partnership will foster new pathways for joint research, executive education, and industry-driven collaboration in various fields, including:
- Mining
- Logistics
- Automation
- Geo-sciences
- Sustainability
Expansion of UWA’s Presence in India
In addition to the collaboration with IIM Mumbai and ISM Dhanbad, UWA is also expanding its footprint in India by establishing campuses in Mumbai and Chennai. These campuses are expected to open in 2026, with hopes of commencing operations by July-August. The Mumbai campus will primarily focus on business and information technology, while the Chennai campus will emphasize technology and IT.
Collaborative Centers and Skill Development
UWA is also forming collaborative centers in partnership with Telangana University and Visakhapatnam. This initiative aims to further enhance educational opportunities and skill development in the region. Professor Chakma mentioned that UWA is collaborating with Centurion University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to offer micro-credential courses specifically aimed at reducing the skill gap in the mining sector.
Sports Immersion Program
In addition to its academic initiatives, UWA plans to introduce a nationwide Sports Immersion Program. This program will be anchored by a state-of-the-art Sports Science Hub at the upcoming Chennai campus. Developed in partnership with Avid Sports and the Chennai Bulls, the initiative seeks to bring Australian high-performance sport science expertise to Indian athletes, coaches, institutes, and sports communities.
Program Objectives
The Sports Immersion Program aims to transform India’s growing sports ecosystem through:
- Immersion programs that provide hands-on experience
- Analytics training to enhance performance
- Biomechanics insights to improve athletic techniques
- Pathways that integrate academic learning with real-world sports environments
Professor Chakma noted that the initiative has already attracted attention from leading sports bodies committed to embedding scientific training at both elite and grassroots levels.
Conclusion
The collaboration between the University of Western Australia, IIM Mumbai, and IIT ISM Dhanbad marks a significant step towards enhancing education and research in the mining sector while promoting sustainability and skill development in India. With the establishment of new campuses and innovative programs, UWA is poised to make a lasting impact on both the academic and industrial landscapes of India.
Note: This article is based on information provided by PTI and has not been edited for content.

