New IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Centre to Drive Critical Minerals Innovation for Clean-Tech
India’s strategic push to secure critical mineral supply chains has received a significant boost with the launch of a dedicated Critical Minerals Centre at the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad (IIT (ISM) Dhanbad). This initiative falls under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and aims to address the growing global competition for essential minerals while catering to the domestic demand driven by India’s rapid clean energy and manufacturing expansion.
Overview of the Critical Minerals Centre
The newly established centre, named CoRE-MiN (Centre of Research Excellence in Mining and Innovation for Critical Materials), is a collaborative effort with TEXMiN, the institute’s technology translation research park supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The primary goal of CoRE-MiN is to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities across the critical minerals value chain, which encompasses:
- Exploration
- Sustainable extraction
- Mineral processing
- Technology innovation
Importance of Critical Minerals
Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements are essential for the development of emerging industries. These minerals serve as the backbone for:
- Renewable energy systems
- Battery storage
- Electric mobility
- Electronics
- Defence manufacturing
As India scales up its solar and wind energy initiatives, promotes electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and develops grid-scale storage solutions, ensuring reliable access to these critical materials has become a strategic priority for the nation.
Objectives of CoRE-MiN
The CoRE-MiN centre is expected to play a pivotal role in:
- Supporting applied research that addresses the challenges in the critical minerals sector.
- Facilitating industry collaboration to foster innovation and development.
- Reducing India’s dependence on imports of critical minerals.
- Enhancing long-term mineral security for the country.
Inauguration of the Centre
The inauguration ceremony of CoRE-MiN was graced by Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy. During the event, he also unveiled a Virtual Reality Mine Simulator (VRMS) at IIT (ISM). The VRMS is designed to improve workforce training and enhance safety standards through immersive learning tools, thus preparing a skilled workforce for the mining sector.
Significance for India’s Clean Energy Transition
With the establishment of CoRE-MiN, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad is positioned to play a catalytic role in supporting India’s efforts to build resilient and self-reliant supply chains for the clean energy transition and advanced manufacturing. The centre’s initiatives are expected to align with the government’s vision of promoting sustainable practices in mining and mineral processing, which are crucial for the country’s transition to a green economy.
Future Prospects
The establishment of CoRE-MiN is a significant step towards securing a stable supply of critical minerals that are necessary for the growth of clean technology sectors in India. As the demand for these minerals continues to rise, the centre will serve as a hub for innovation, research, and collaboration, ensuring that India can meet its future energy and manufacturing needs sustainably.
Conclusion
The launch of the Critical Minerals Centre at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad marks a crucial development in India’s quest for self-sufficiency in critical mineral supply chains. By fostering research and innovation in this field, India aims to reduce its reliance on imports and enhance its position in the global clean technology landscape.
Note: This article is based on information available as of December 2025 and aims to provide insights into the initiatives taken by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in the context of critical minerals and clean technology.
