The MoU was signed by Shri Sanjeev Sahi, Executive Director (R&D), NMDC, and the Dean (Sponsored Research & Consultancy) of IIT Hyderabad in the presence of Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad. The agreement marks a strategic partnership between one of India’s leading iron ore producers and a premier technological institute.
This collaboration seeks to merge field-level operational expertise with academic research excellence. By combining NMDC’s on-ground experience with IIT Hyderabad’s scientific capabilities, the initiative aims to generate technology-led solutions for the evolving mining ecosystem.
Focus on Iron Ore and Green Steel
Under the agreement, both institutions will jointly work on iron ore beneficiation and agglomeration techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on green steelmaking technologies and alternative ironmaking processes using indigenous raw materials.
The partnership will also focus on advanced modeling and simulation of mining and metallurgical processes. These efforts are expected to enhance productivity, optimize resource utilization, and reduce environmental impact across mining operations.
Critical and Rare Earth Minerals in Spotlight
In line with India’s growing need for strategic resources, the MoU includes research on extraction methods for critical and rare earth minerals from primary and secondary sources. This initiative is expected to strengthen India’s mineral security and reduce dependence on imports.
With global supply chains facing uncertainties, such collaborations become crucial for ensuring long-term resource resilience. NMDC’s expanded research footprint could contribute significantly to the country’s mineral growth story.
Embracing Mining 4.0 and Digital Innovation
The agreement reflects the rapid digital transformation underway in the mining sector. Both institutions will undertake research and pilot initiatives in autonomous vehicle movement, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), drone-enabled surveying, and Mining 4.0 frameworks.
By leveraging emerging technologies, the partnership aims to improve safety standards, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship. The integration of AI-driven systems and smart monitoring tools is expected to redefine conventional mining practices.
Leadership Speaks
On the occasion of the signing, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NMDC, stated that the partnership reinforces NMDC’s commitment to innovation through industry–academia collaboration. He emphasized that combining IIT Hyderabad’s research strength with NMDC’s domain expertise will drive sustainable development in mining and mineral processing.
The leadership highlighted that indigenous technological advancement is central to achieving self-reliance in core sectors such as mining and metallurgy.
A Milestone Moment for NMDC R&D Centre
Significantly, this collaboration comes as NMDC’s R&D Centre completes 50 years of dedicated contribution to India’s mineral sector. Over the decades, the centre has played a vital role in improving mining efficiency, mineral beneficiation processes, and sustainable practices.
The new MoU with IIT Hyderabad is seen as a forward-looking step that builds on this legacy of research excellence. It underscores NMDC’s long-term vision of technology-driven growth and innovation-led expansion.
National Alignment
The collaboration aligns with broader policy goals articulated by the Government of India, including Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. By fostering homegrown research and industrial application, the partnership aims to contribute to economic resilience and technological sovereignty.
According to information released by the Press Information Bureau, the agreement represents a strategic move to strengthen the interface between academia and industry in critical sectors.
As India accelerates infrastructure development and industrial expansion, the demand for efficient and sustainable mineral extraction will continue to grow. The NMDC–IIT Hyderabad partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting these future challenges through innovation, research, and responsible mining practices.