NLC India signs MoU with IIT (ISM) TEXMiN for critical mineral exploration and research

New Delhi: NLC India Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad-TEXMiN to strengthen collaboration in the exploration, beneficiation and extraction of critical and strategic minerals.

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The MoU has been signed on Tuesday at Neyveli in line with the Government of India’s vision to strengthen the country’s critical mineral security and support the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission.

The agreement has been signed by LS Jasper Rose, Executive Director (Mines & Land), NLC India, and Prof Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and Director-TEXMiN, in the presence of NLC India CMD Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, who is also a member of the Committee on Critical Minerals constituted by NITI Aayog, Dr D K Singh, Chairman of the committee, and Dr Suresh Chandra Suman, Director (Mines), NLC India.

NLC India said it has been actively pursuing initiatives for the exploration and utilisation of critical and strategic minerals from both primary and secondary resources. The company has already secured two critical mineral blocks through the auction route and is exploring opportunities to acquire additional critical mineral assets in India and overseas.

The company is also part of the NITI Aayog committee studying the recovery potential of critical and strategic minerals from secondary resources such as overburden, lignite, coal and mine tailings. As part of these efforts, NLC India has undertaken studies on rare earth elements (REE) and other trace elements from secondary source materials.

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According to the company, the partnership with TEXMiN is expected to enhance research and technological capabilities in critical mineral exploration, beneficiation and extraction technologies. TEXMiN, the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, focuses on advanced research and technology development in mining and mineral sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Prasanna Kumar Motupalli said the collaboration reflects NLC India’s commitment towards innovation-driven resource development and sustainable mining practices. He added that the partnership would help accelerate technological advancements in critical mineral exploration and beneficiation, contributing to India’s strategic mineral security and self-reliance initiatives.

The company said the collaboration aligns with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat while strengthening indigenous capabilities in critical mineral value chains for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and strategic industries.

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