Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, in collaboration with CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-1MMT) organized the National Workshop on “Strengthening R&D in Indian Mineral and Metal Sector – Policy Framework for Sustainable Growth, 2025”, here on Wednesday.
The workshop brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss strategies for advancing Geology, Mining, and Mineral Processing research across Indian academic and R&D institutions. Participants explored ways to enhance innovation and strengthen policy frameworks to support sustainable growth in the mineral and metal sector.

Chief guest Shakil Alam, Economic Advisor at the Ministry of Mines, addressed the gathering on the significance of integrating geology, mining, mineral processing, and extractive metallurgy into academic curricula. He also emphasized the need to incorporate emerging technologies such as AI and ML, along with addressing challenges related to critical minerals through innovation and research & development.

The programme was led by Dr Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT and coordinated by Dr Kali Sanjay, Chief Scientist and Head, Business Development, CSIR-IMMT.
Key highlights of the event include panel discussions on: Enhancing Academic Curricula to keep pace with global advancements in mining and metallurgy.
Identifying Research Priorities for Indian academic and R&D institutions to address critical challenges in mineral resource sustainability. The event saw the participation of Directors and Heads of Departments from premier institutions, including IIT Patna, IlT Kharagpur, IIT Hyderabad, ISM Dhanbad, NIT Jamshedpur, IISER Berhampur, NISER Bhubaneswar, GCE Keonjhar, DD University Keonjhar, UTKAL University, OUTR Bhubaneswar, NIRM Bengaluru, NF TDC Hyderabad, CSIR-NGRI, GSI Directorate of Geology, Govt. Of Odisha, Gujarat Mineral Research Industrial Consultancy Society and CEEW Delhi. Industry experts from Sterlite Copper, Singareni Colieries, Hindalco, and Hindustan Copper Limited also contributed valuable insights on bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The workshop reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Mines and CSIR-IMMT toward fostering cutting-edge research, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, and driving innovation in critical minerals exploration and processing