IIT ISM Dhanbad Inaugurates CoRE-MiN Under NCMM
The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, has officially inaugurated the Centre of Research Excellence in Mining and Innovation for Critical Materials (CoRE-MiN). This initiative is part of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and aims to advance research and technology within India’s critical minerals ecosystem.
Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration took place in the presence of distinguished guests, including Shri G. Kishan Reddy, the Honourable Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Government of India. Other notable attendees included Shri B. Sairam, Chairman of Coal India Limited, and Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman of the Hub Governing Board of the TEXMiN Foundation.
This event marks a significant milestone in enhancing India’s scientific, technological, and industrial capabilities across the critical minerals value chain. CoRE-MiN is anchored at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, which serves as the academic hub, and is implemented in close collaboration with the Technology Translation Research Park, TEXMiN.
Objectives of CoRE-MiN
CoRE-MiN is recognized as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) under the NCMM, which aims to bolster India’s self-reliance in critical minerals. The Centre is supported by a robust consortium of national and international partners, including:
- IIT Gandhinagar
- IIT BHU
- Curtin University
- University of Cambridge
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
These institutions contribute advanced research expertise in areas such as exploration, processing, and critical mineral systems.
Industry Collaboration
CoRE-MiN is also backed by collaboration with key Indian mining and mineral organizations, including:
- Hindustan Copper Limited
- MOIL Limited
- Maheshwari Mining
- Odisha Mining Corporation
- Jindal Steel
- Elitech Earth Science
- CPI
- Novasensa
- CODELCO
This integrated partnership model ensures that CoRE-MiN delivers scientifically rigorous, industry-ready, and globally benchmarked solutions aligned with India’s National Critical Mineral Mission and its strategic objectives for self-reliance.
Research Agenda
The research agenda of CoRE-MiN is closely aligned with the objectives of the NCMM. Key focus areas include:
- AI/ML-enabled mineral exploration
- Digital rock-core characterization
- Real-time traceability of critical raw materials
- Advanced beneficiation and recycling solutions
These initiatives aim to strengthen secure and resilient supply chains for minerals essential to clean energy, e-mobility, electronics, defense, and other strategic sectors.
Statements from Leadership
During the inauguration, Prof. Sukumar Mishra expressed, “The inauguration of CoRE-MiN marks a defining moment for IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and TEXMiN. As a recognized Centre of Excellence under NCMM, CoRE-MiN will drive impactful research and technology translation through deep academic, industrial, and international collaboration, contributing meaningfully to India’s goal of self-reliance in critical minerals.”
Additionally, Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Project Director of TEXMiN, and Head of the CoE, stated, “TEXMiN is proud to serve as the translational backbone of CoRE-MiN. Our focus will be on converting high-quality research into deployable technologies across AI-driven exploration, core digitization, traceability platforms, and pilot-scale beneficiation of critical minerals. This Centre will play a catalytic role in accelerating India’s mineral technology readiness and industry adoption.”
Significance of CoRE-MiN
The establishment of CoRE-MiN signifies a national commitment to developing indigenous capabilities in critical mineral exploration, processing, recycling, and advanced technologies. It fosters collaboration among academia, industry, and global research institutions, ensuring that India can meet its growing demand for critical minerals.
Conclusion
The inauguration of CoRE-MiN at IIT ISM Dhanbad represents a pivotal step towards enhancing India’s capabilities in managing its critical mineral resources. This Centre of Excellence is expected to play a crucial role in advancing research, technology, and industry collaboration, ultimately contributing to the nation’s self-reliance in critical minerals.
Note: The information in this article is based on the latest updates and may be subject to change as the initiatives progress.
