New Delhi, Feb 23: TEXMiN Foundation (Technology Translation Research Park, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Joint Stock Company “GIREDMET State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry, JSC” (GIREDMET, JSC), an entity of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, Russia, to advance cooperation in rare metals and critical mineral technologies.
The MoU was signed during the Industry–Institute Interaction 2026 (III–2026) Conclave and Exhibition at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and formally exchanged during a flagship signing ceremony in the august presence of Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India, underscoring the global and strategic importance of critical minerals and rare earth technologies.
Strategic Framework for Rare Metal Collaboration
The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for strategic cooperation across the mining and rare metal value chain—from exploration and mineral beneficiation to extraction, separation, refining, and advanced materials development.
The collaboration will focus on:
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Joint R&D in rare earth and critical mineral processing
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Development of high-purity metals and alloys
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Rare earth magnets and refractory metal powders
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Advanced materials for electronics and optics
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Knowledge exchange across the rare metal ecosystem
The partnership reflects the shared priorities of India and Russia in strengthening domestic rare metal and critical mineral industries, enhancing technological self-reliance, and building resilient industrial value chains. Both countries are aligned in securing critical raw materials, developing indigenous processing capabilities, and advancing materials innovation for energy, electronics, and strategic sectors.
Leadership Perspectives
Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman, Hub Governing Board, TEXMiN Foundation, said:
“Critical minerals and rare earth technologies are central to India’s energy transition, electronics manufacturing, and strategic sectors. This partnership with GIREDMET brings together global expertise and translational research capabilities to strengthen India’s self-reliance in rare metals and advanced materials.”
Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director, TEXMiN, added:
“The MoU establishes a comprehensive research and technology translation framework covering the entire rare metal value chain. Through pilot validation, advanced processing technologies, and digital integration, we aim to accelerate the deployment of sustainable and industry-ready solutions aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Dr. Konstantin Ivanovskikh, Deputy Director of GIREDMET, stated:
“This partnership marks an important step in strengthening international cooperation in rare metals and critical mineral technologies. By combining GIREDMET’s expertise in rare earth metallurgy and advanced process engineering with TEXMiN’s translational research ecosystem, we aim to accelerate pilot-scale validation of high-impact technologies. Together, we look forward to contributing to sustainable resource development and advancing technological capabilities aligned with global energy transition priorities.”
Key Areas of Collaboration
Under the agreement, both institutions will undertake joint R&D on rare earth and critical mineral processing technologies, including pilot-scale validation and technology translation of GIREDMET processes at TEXMiN under the Technology Translation Research Park (TTRP) framework.
A key thrust area includes the development of technologies for producing high-coercivity permanent magnet blocks based on Nd-Fe-B, supported by a complete rare earth metallurgical cycle.
Additional focus areas include:
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Hydrometallurgical recycling of lithium-ion batteries to recover lithium, nickel, and cobalt
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Recovery of critical minerals from legacy mine dumps, tailings, and low-grade or complex ores
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Digital twin-enabled smart processing plants integrating AI/ML and advanced sensor systems
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Upscaling technologies to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)
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Industry-facing demonstrations aligned with India’s National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and Russia’s Federal Project for the Development of Rare Metal Industry
The collaboration also envisages expert exchange, joint doctoral and applied research supervision, specialised training programmes, and advisory support to governments, PSUs, and industry stakeholders on critical mineral initiatives.
Strengthening Global Engagement
As a tangible next step, representatives of TEXMiN and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad are expected to participate in the upcoming International Congress on Rare Metals, Materials and Related Technologies , scheduled to be held in Moscow from May 20–22, 2026. The Congress will serve as a global platform to address scientific and technological challenges in rare metals and critical materials development.