International Training program on Deep Sea Minerals at CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar

By Our Correspondent

Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: The International Training Program on Deep Sea Minerals was officially launched today at SS Bhatnagar Hall, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar.

Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, inaugurated the program, joined by Dr. Kali Sanjay, Head of the Hydro & Electrometallurgy Department, CSIR-IMMT, Mr. P.K. Dash, Administrative Officer, CSIR-IMMT along with esteemed participants and guests.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, said,  CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) plays a crucial role in advancing metallurgical technologies for seabed minerals, in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India. Fifteen international participants from countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Jamaica are attending this training, which will be conducted by scientists from CSIR-IMMT. Representatives from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), and National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) are also part of the program, which runs until 26th October 2024.

The seabed resources are vital for extracting critical elements like nickel, cobalt, and tellurium, as well as commercial metals such as copper and manganese, which are essential for various industries, particularly in the clean energy sector. The deep sea minerals, Polymetallic Nodules (PMN), Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) and Polymetallic Cobalt Crusts (PCC) are important for future technological demands.

Under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, India holds exploration contracts with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for 75,000 sq. km of Polymetallic Nodules and 10,000 sq. km of Polymetallic Sulphides in the Indian Ocean. This necessitates the development of advanced technological capabilities for sustainable extraction processes. CSIR-IMMT is at the forefront of this initiative, focusing on PMN extraction and processing methodologies for PMS.

Aligned with its commitments to the ISA, CSIR-IMMT, in partnership with MoES, provides training to international candidates from developing nations. Coordinated through NIOT in Chennai and NCPOR in Goa, the program covers key topics such as characterization, mineral processing, and extractive metallurgy. These sessions are specifically focusing on mineral processing, equipping participants with essential knowledge and practical skills.

This international training initiative highlights CSIR-IMMT’s strategic role in bolstering India’s exploration efforts and fostering global collaboration in resource extraction. By building capacities and sharing expertise, CSIR-IMMT, through MoES, continues to enhance India’s position as a leader in seabed mineral exploration and metallurgy.