NMDC’s Research Arm Collaborates with IIT Hyderabad to Boost Mining Sector Innovation
On February 25, 2026, a pivotal partnership was forged in Hyderabad as NMDC’s R&D division, Responsible Miner, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH). This alliance, marked by the signing ceremony attended by NMDC’s Executive Director of R&D, Shri Sanjeev Sahi, and IITH’s Dean of Sponsored Research & Consultancy, is set to propel forward the development of indigenous technologies in the mineral and metals domain of India.
The collaboration is poised to merge NMDC’s industry expertise with the academic prowess of IIT Hyderabad, focusing on several key areas:
- Enhancement of iron ore beneficiation and agglomeration processes
- Development of sustainable green steelmaking technologies
- Exploration of alternative ironmaking methods using local resources
- Advanced modeling and simulation for both mining and metallurgical operations
- Innovative extraction methods for critical and rare earth minerals to boost resource resilience and security
This partnership extends into the digital realm, targeting the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous vehicle operation, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced Mining 4.0 strategies. Additionally, it will explore the potential of drones in surveying and monitoring tasks within the sector.
During the MoU signing event, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NMDC, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration. He noted that it not only reaffirms NMDC’s dedication to innovation through strong industry-academia links but also leverages IIT Hyderabad’s outstanding research capabilities to drive technological advancements in mining and mineral processing, aligning with the sustainable development goals and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The initiative is a testament to both institutions’ commitment to fostering innovation-led growth and translating academic research into substantial industrial solutions. This collaboration is especially significant as it coincides with the golden jubilee of NMDC’s R&D Centre, highlighting its longstanding commitment to enhancing India’s mineral sector through continual technological innovation.
Through this MoU, NMDC and IIT Hyderabad are set to make significant contributions to the national agenda of self-reliance and technological sovereignty, echoing the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat and setting a benchmark for future collaborations in the sector.
