IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Launches Critical Minerals Centre Under National Mission
The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, has inaugurated a Centre of Research Excellence in Mining and Innovation for Critical Materials (CoRE-MiN). This initiative is part of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission, aimed at enhancing the country’s capabilities in the critical minerals sector.
Collaboration with TEXMiN
The CoRE-MiN has been established in collaboration with TEXMiN, a technology translation research park supported by the Department of Science and Technology. This partnership is designed to bolster domestic capabilities across the critical minerals value chain, aligning with the Ministry of Mines’ national program.
Inauguration Ceremony
The official launch of CoRE-MiN took place at the IIT (ISM) Dhanbad campus, officiated by Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy. The event was attended by notable figures including B. Sairam, the chairman of Coal India, and Sukumar Mishra, the director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
Significance of CoRE-MiN
The establishment of CoRE-MiN marks a significant step in operationalizing one of the nine centres of excellence approved under the National Critical Mineral Mission. This mission is pivotal in reducing India’s reliance on imported minerals that are essential for clean energy, electric mobility, electronics, and defense sectors.
Focus Areas of CoRE-MiN
CoRE-MiN will concentrate on several critical areas, including:
- Artificial intelligence-enabled mineral exploration
- Digital characterization of rock cores
- Traceability of critical raw materials
- Advanced beneficiation and recycling technologies
Partnerships and Collaboration
The centre aims to foster collaboration between various academic institutions and industry players. Some of the academic partners include:
- IIT Gandhinagar
- IIT BHU
- Curtin University
- University of Cambridge
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Industry participants include major organizations such as:
- Hindustan Copper
- MOIL
- Odisha Mining Corporation
- Jindal Steel
These partnerships are intended to support pilot projects and facilitate the deployment of innovative technologies in the critical minerals sector.
Objectives of CoRE-MiN
The primary objective of CoRE-MiN is to translate high-quality research into deployable technologies that can support India’s goal of self-reliance in critical minerals. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to secure supply chains for essential minerals necessary for advancing clean energy and industrial growth.
India’s Strategy for Critical Minerals
India has been intensifying its efforts to secure supply chains for critical minerals, recognizing their importance in the global economy. The National Critical Mineral Mission serves as a key policy instrument to achieve this goal. By establishing centers of excellence like CoRE-MiN, India aims to enhance its domestic capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign imports.
Conclusion
The launch of the Critical Minerals Centre at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad represents a significant advancement in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in critical minerals. Through collaborative efforts between academia and industry, CoRE-MiN is set to play a crucial role in developing innovative solutions that will support the nation’s clean energy and industrial objectives.
Note: The information provided in this article reflects the latest developments as of December 2025 and is subject to change as new initiatives and collaborations emerge in the field of critical minerals.
