NMDC Signs MoU with IIT Hyderabad to Boost Indigenous Mining, Green Steel and Rare Earth Technologies
On February 25, 2026, NMDC Limited, a state-run mining giant, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH). This partnership aims to enhance research and academic collaboration, focusing on advancing indigenous technologies in India’s mineral and metals sector.
Objectives of the Partnership
The MoU was signed between NMDC’s Research and Development Centre and IIT Hyderabad in the presence of IITH Director B. S. Murty. The collaboration seeks to merge NMDC’s field expertise with IIT Hyderabad’s academic and research excellence to foster innovation in mining and mineral processing.
Key Areas of Focus
Under the MoU, both institutions will engage in joint research in several critical areas, including:
- Iron ore beneficiation and agglomeration
- Green steelmaking technologies
- Alternative ironmaking using indigenous raw materials
- Advanced modelling and simulation of mining and metallurgical processes
This collaboration is expected to promote sustainable mining practices and the development of environmentally responsible steel production technologies.
Strengthening India’s Mineral Security
A significant aspect of the partnership is the research on the extraction of critical and rare earth minerals from both primary and secondary sources. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goal of enhancing mineral security and reducing dependency on imports.
By leveraging academic innovation alongside operational expertise, the collaboration aims to build a resilient and self-reliant mineral ecosystem in India.
Embracing Digital Transformation in Mining
The MoU also emphasizes the digital transformation of the mining sector through research in emerging domains such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Autonomous vehicle operations
- Mining 4.0 frameworks
- Drone-based surveying and monitoring
These initiatives are expected to modernize mining operations, improve efficiency, and enhance safety standards across the sector.
Leadership Statement
During the signing ceremony, NMDC Chairman and Managing Director Amitava Mukherjee expressed that this collaboration reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation through industry-academia partnerships. He emphasized that combining IIT Hyderabad’s research excellence with NMDC’s operational strength will help develop sustainable, technology-driven solutions while contributing to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
About NMDC
NMDC Limited is recognized as India’s largest iron ore producer and is classified as a Navratna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Steel. The company plays a pivotal role in India’s mining sector, operating across major mineral-rich states. NMDC is actively expanding its focus into green steel, critical minerals, and sustainable mining technologies to support the country’s industrial growth.
Recent Developments
In addition to the MoU with IIT Hyderabad, NMDC has also raised iron ore prices, with Baila Lump priced at ₹4,700 per tonne and fines at ₹4,000 per tonne from February 10, 2026. This price adjustment reflects the market dynamics and the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational efficiency.
Conclusion
The partnership between NMDC and IIT Hyderabad marks a significant step towards advancing indigenous mining technologies and promoting sustainable practices in the sector. By focusing on critical areas such as iron ore beneficiation, green steelmaking, and digital transformation, this collaboration aims to strengthen India’s mineral security and contribute to the nation’s vision of self-reliance.
Note: This article is based on the latest information available as of February 2026.
