Neyveli, May 27: NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s Technology Innovation Hub TEXMiN to strengthen research and technology development in critical minerals, aligning with the Government of India’s resource security and clean energy objectives.
The agreement was signed on May 26 at Neyveli by NLCIL Executive Director (Mines & Land) I.S. Jasper Rose and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Deputy Director and TEXMiN Director Prof. Dheeraj Kumar in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
The partnership aims to advance research, technology development and knowledge sharing in critical mineral exploration, beneficiation and extraction technologies.
NLCIL said the collaboration supports the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission and India’s broader strategy to strengthen long-term mineral security for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and strategic industries.
The state-run company has been actively pursuing critical and strategic mineral exploration from both primary and secondary resources and has already secured two critical mineral blocks through auction. It is also evaluating additional mineral assets in India and overseas.
NLCIL is part of a NITI Aayog committee studying recovery of critical and strategic minerals from secondary resources such as overburden, lignite, coal and mine tailings. The company has undertaken studies on Rare Earth Elements (REE) and trace minerals from such materials.
TEXMiN, the mining and mineral technology innovation hub of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, focuses on advanced research in mineral exploration, beneficiation and extraction technologies.
NLCIL Chairman and Managing Director Prasanna Kumar Motupalli said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to innovation-led resource development and sustainable mining practices.
He said the collaboration is expected to accelerate technological advancements and strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities in critical mineral value chains, contributing to strategic mineral security and self-reliance goals.
The two institutions said the MoU reinforces their shared focus on scientific collaboration, sustainable mining and technological innovation in support of the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat vision.
