New Delhi, September 26, 2025 – IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, along with its research park, TEXMiN (Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation), received a Letter of Recognition as part of the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), a landmark initiative by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. This recognition officially designates them as one of the seven Centres of Excellence (CoEs) tasked with driving cutting-edge research, technology translation, and innovation across India’s critical minerals sector.
The launch event, held in Hyderabad, was presided over by Hon’ble Minister Shri Gangapuram Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal & Mines. The gathering convened top policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to define India’s strategic roadmap in critical minerals. The seven CoEs, comprising four IITs and three premier R&D laboratories, are set to lead transformative research and translational initiatives spanning the entire critical minerals value chain.
The event also featured insights from key leaders including Shri Shakil Alam, Economic Adviser, Ministry of Mines, and Dr. Ashish Saxena, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Mines, along with engaging discussions with partner representatives from Curtin University, University of Cambridge, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, IIT Gandhinagar, Hindustan Copper Limited, MMPL Pvt. Ltd., Novasensa, and others. Participants emphasized the importance of collaborative innovation, translational research, and resilient supply chains in the critical minerals ecosystem, essential for sectors such as clean energy, electronics, e-mobility, defence, and space.
Commenting on the recognition, Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad & Chairman, Governing Board, TEXMiN, said, “Receiving the Letter of Recognition under the National Critical Mineral Mission is a landmark moment for IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and TEXMiN. This acknowledgment strengthens our mandate to lead transformative research and translational initiatives that will position India as a global leader in critical minerals. Through close collaboration with national and international partners, we aim to address the entire value chain, from exploration and processing to traceability and recycling, ensuring that India achieves strategic self-reliance in this vital sector. TEXMiN’s role as a technology translation hub allows us to bring research from the laboratory to the field, delivering practical solutions that have real-world impact.”
Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad & Project Director, TEXMiN, added, “TEXMiN is honoured to serve as the translational backbone of this CoE. Our focus is on high-impact, moonshot projects that combine cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, robotics, blockchain, and digital twins with practical applications in mineral exploration, beneficiation, and recycling. By enabling real-time traceability of critical minerals and establishing pilot-scale solutions, we aim to strengthen India’s supply chains and reduce dependency on imports. This recognition empowers our team to collaborate deeply with global and domestic partners, fostering innovation, nurturing talent, and contributing to sustainable development and strategic self-reliance in critical minerals.”
As the Technology Translation Research Park of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, TEXMiN is committed to advancing Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. TEXMiN has already initiated collaborations with global partners, including the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), University of Cambridge, to establish satellite campuses at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad. These initiatives are focused on strengthening digital infrastructure and research capabilities in the critical minerals domain, positioning India as a global observatory hub for strategic mineral innovation.