CSIR-IMMT and NTPC Mining Limited sign MoU for promoting critical minerals research and development
By Our Correspondent
Bhubaneswar, May 19 : Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NTPC Mining Limited (A wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited), to pursue research initiatives of direct interest and relevance to coal, mineral processing and extraction industry, including Critical Minerals.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT and Shri Naveen Jain, CEO, NTPC Mining Limited, co-ordinated by Dr. Kali Sanjay, Head, Hydro, Bio & Electrometallurgy Dept. & Business Development from CSIR-IMMT, and Shri. DhananjayShrikhande, General Manager(Technical Services& Commercial) and Shri. Anil Kumar Soni, Addl. General Manager(Technical Services & Business Development) from NTPC Mining Limited.
NTPC Mining Limited has emerged as a key contributor to India’s energy security, supplying nearly 15% of NTPC’s coal requirement in FY 2024–25, with over 134 million tonnes of coal produced since its inception in 2018. As the nation accelerates its shift towards clean energy, the company is now diversifying into the exploration and development of critical minerals, tapping into both domestic and international resources to support the vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat. In line with the National Critical Minerals Mission, which encourages active participation of public sector undertakings in the critical minerals value chain, NTPC Mining has initiated concrete steps to contribute to this national priority.The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR-IMMT reflects NTPC Mining’s commitment to innovation-led sustainable growth.
CSIR-IMMT brings decades of experience in critical minerals research and technology commercialization, delivering advanced solutions to the mining and materials sectors. With advanced infrastructure, pilot-scale facilities, and decades of expertise in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy, CSIR-IMMT is well-positioned to serve as a national hub for critical minerals research. The institute is currently leading several mission-mode programs focused on rare earth elements (REEs), low-grade ore beneficiation and recycling, lithium recovery, and deep-sea mineral processing. The Institute has successfully developed and demonstrated technologies for the recovery of cobalt, nickel, tellurium, selenium, and REEs from both primary and secondary sources, several of which have already been transferred for commercial application. The Institute is further enhancing the capabilities through dedicated pilot plants for REE separation and molten salt electrolysis to enable integrated processing.
As part of the collaboration, the NTPC Mining delegation visited CSIR-IMMT’s critical minerals technology development facilities and deliberated on focussed R&D and technological collaboration on critical minerals vital for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
Statement from CEO,NTPC Mining Limited on the occasion of signing of MoU with CSIR-IMMT:
“The signing of this MoU with CSIR-IMMT is a significant milestone in NTPC Mining Limited’s journey towards building a future-ready, environmentally responsible, and innovation-led mining enterprise. This collaboration directly aligns with our vision to be a benchmark organization in safe, sustainable, and efficient mining through technological excellence and environmental stewardship. By combining NTPC Mining’s operational strength with CSIR-IMMT’s cutting-edge research capabilities, we aim to drive transformative improvements in mine planning, mineral beneficiation, and sustainable mine closure practices. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to nation-building, energy security, and achieving the highest standards globally.”
Naveen Jain
CEO, NML
Statement from Director, CSIR-IMMT on the occasion of signing of MoU with NTPC Mining Limited:
“The collaboration between CSIR-IMMT and NTPC Mining Limited comes at a timely moment, as India advances its efforts under the National Critical Minerals Mission. NTPC Mining’s growing role in resource security and its forward-looking approach to diversifying into critical minerals aligns well with our mandate to deliver science-led, scalable solutions to industry. At CSIR-IMMT, we have been steadily building infrastructure and capabilities to support the development and deployment of technologies in this space. Partnerships with industrial stakeholders are essential for translating research into impact, particularly when it comes to scale-up and commercial readiness. We are confident that this MoU will help catalyse technology-driven outcomes that contribute meaningfully to national priorities in critical minerals for sustainable development.”
