NITI Aayog Holds Meeting on Critical and Strategic Minerals at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad

On January 16, 2026, the Critical & Strategic Minerals Committee of NITI Aayog convened a significant national-level meeting at TEXMiN, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. The primary focus of this meeting was to strategize India’s approach to securing critical and strategic minerals across the entire value chain. This initiative is crucial for supporting India’s clean energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and enhancing national security.

Overview of the Meeting

The meeting was chaired by D.K. Singh and organized under the PAIR project of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in collaboration with the CoRE-MiN Centre of Excellence on Critical Raw Materials (NCMM). It gathered senior officials from various sectors, including NITI Aayog, central public sector undertakings (PSUs), research institutions, and industry leaders. The discussions revolved around technology development, building domestic capabilities, and ensuring supply-chain resilience for critical minerals.

Key Initiatives Highlighted

Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director of TEXMiN, provided insights into ongoing and future initiatives. These include:

• PAIR-B Project: Supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
• TEXMiN: A dedicated initiative focused on critical minerals.
• Technology Translation Research Park (TTRP): Established by the Department of Science & Technology.
• CoRE-MiN Centre of Excellence: Supported by the Ministry of Mines, focusing on critical raw materials.

Importance of Coordination

During the meeting, Saravanabhavan, Deputy Adviser (Minerals) at NITI Aayog, emphasized the necessity of coordinated efforts among government bodies, academia, research and development institutions, and industry stakeholders. This collaboration aims to develop indigenous technologies that encompass exploration, beneficiation, utilization, and recycling of critical minerals.

Committee Composition

The committee comprises representatives from various organizations, including:

• NITI Aayog
• CSIR-IMMT (Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology)
• CSIR-CECRI (Central Electrochemical Research Institute)
• Coal India Limited
• Singareni Collieries Company Limited
• Neyveli Lignite Limited
• Ministry of Mines
• Ministry of Coal
• Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation
• IPCPA (Indian Potash and Chemicals Limited)
• CII (Confederation of Indian Industry)

Research and Development Updates

During the discussions, notable contributions were made by:

• Ramanuj Narayan: Director of CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar, who shared updates on research in mineral processing and advanced materials.
• K. Ramesha: Director of CSIR-CECRI, who discussed advancements in the recycling of critical and strategic minerals.
• Asheesh Kumar: Director (Business Development) at Coal India Limited, who highlighted opportunities for recovering rare earth elements and other critical minerals from coal mine waste, overburden, and fly ash.

Strategic Role of Critical Minerals

The meeting underscored the strategic importance of critical minerals in facilitating India’s clean energy transition. These minerals are essential for the production of advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and various other high-tech applications. The focus on domestic production and recycling of these minerals is crucial for reducing dependency on imports and enhancing national security.

Future Directions

The discussions at the meeting set the stage for a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring a sustainable and resilient supply chain for critical minerals. Key future directions include:

• Enhancing research and development efforts in mineral processing and recycling technologies.
• Fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government to drive innovation.
• Implementing policies that encourage investment in critical mineral exploration and production.
• Promoting awareness and education on the importance of critical minerals for economic growth and sustainability.

Conclusion

The meeting at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad marked a significant step towards securing India’s critical mineral resources. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders and focusing on indigenous technology development, India aims to strengthen its position in the global mineral supply chain. The outcomes of this meeting will play a crucial role in shaping policies and initiatives that support the country’s clean energy goals and economic growth.

Note: This article is based on information available as of January 2026 and aims to provide insights into the ongoing efforts by NITI Aayog regarding critical and strategic minerals in India.