TEXMiN, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Sign 7 MoUs to Advance Smart Mining & Critical Minerals Ecosystem
The TEXMiN Foundation, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, has signed seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing the mining technology and innovation landscape in India. This significant event took place during the Industry-Institute Interaction 2026 (III-2026) Conclave and Exhibition, which was held at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
Overview of the III-2026 Conclave
The III-2026 Conclave, themed “Smart Mining, Critical Minerals, and Green Energy: Need for Atmanirbhar Bharat,” was organized as part of the centenary celebrations of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. The two-day event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, academicians, and technology innovators. The primary goal was to deliberate on strengthening India’s mining and minerals ecosystem.
Key Highlights of the Conclave
During the conclave, several key themes were discussed:
- Smart Mining: The use of advanced technologies to enhance mining operations.
- Critical Minerals: The importance of securing essential minerals for various industries.
- Sustainability: Emphasizing environmentally responsible mining practices.
- Green Energy Transitions: The shift towards sustainable energy sources in mining operations.
Statements from Key Officials
Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman of the Hub Governing Board of TEXMiN Foundation, stated, “The discussions around smart technologies, critical mineral security, sustainability, and green energy transitions reaffirmed the importance of deep industry-institute collaboration. Such engagements are vital for advancing India’s self-reliance and driving innovation-led growth in strategically critical sectors.”
Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director of TEXMiN, added, “III-2026 reflects a collective commitment to translating research into real-world impact. The conclave has successfully connected policy vision, industrial capability, and academic excellence, while the MoUs exchanged during the event will accelerate technology deployment, skill development, and sustainable mining practices.”
Exhibition of Advanced Technologies
The conclave featured an exhibition that showcased advanced mining technologies and digital solutions. Key aspects of the exhibition included:
- Smart mining technologies
- Digital and geospatial solutions
- Drone-led intelligence
- Advanced communication systems
- Green energy applications
High-level interactions with senior leaders from both Indian and international organizations, including representatives from Russia and the United Kingdom, were also a highlight of the event.
Focus on Digital Infrastructure
The discussions at the conclave underscored the importance of advanced digital infrastructure in the mining sector. Key technologies identified include:
- 5G-enabled private networks
- Artificial intelligence
- Data-driven systems
These technologies are essential for enabling safer, smarter, and more sustainable mining operations.
Long-term Commitments and Collaborations
The conclave concluded with a valedictory session that reaffirmed long-term commitments towards industry-institute collaboration, technology translation, and capacity building. The MoUs signed during the event are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring long-term collaborations across various sectors, including:
- Smart mining
- Digital infrastructure
- Advanced communication systems
- Skill development
- Sustainability
- Innovation-driven capacity building
The detailed scope and objectives of each partnership will be finalized through mutually agreed implementation frameworks, ensuring that all parties are aligned in their goals and strategies.
Conclusion
The signing of these MoUs marks a significant step towards advancing India’s mining and minerals ecosystem. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, TEXMiN and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad aim to drive innovation and sustainability in the sector. This initiative not only supports India’s self-reliance goals but also positions the country as a leader in smart mining and critical minerals.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on data available as of October 2023 and may be subject to change.
