The R&D Centre of NMDC, Responsible Miner has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), a significant step towards shaping the future of India’s mineral and metals sector. The MoU was signed by Sanjeev Sahi, ED (R&D), NMDC, and the Dean (Sponsored Research & Consultancy), IIT Hyderabad, in the presence of Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, aimed at advancing indigenous technology in mineral processing and allied areas.

This partnership represents a strong collaboration between field expertise and academic excellence. Together, NMDC and IIT Hyderabad will drive research in iron ore beneficiation and agglomeration, green steelmaking technologies, alternate ironmaking using indigenous raw materials, and advanced modeling and simulation of mining and metallurgical processes. The collaboration will also chart new pathways in the extraction of critical and rare earth minerals from primary and secondary sources, strengthening India’s mineral security and resource resilience.

Aligned with the rapid digital transformation of the mining sector, the MoU will drive research and pilot initiatives in autonomous vehicle movement, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Mining 4.0 frameworks, and drone-enabled surveying and monitoring. By integrating operational strength with research-driven innovation, the collaboration aims to deliver sustainable, technology-led solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and environmental stewardship across India’s evolving mineral landscape.

On the occasion of the MoU signing, Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, NMDC, said, “The MoU with IIT Hyderabad strengthens NMDC’s commitment to innovation through industry–academia collaboration. By leveraging IIT Hyderabad’s research excellence and NMDC’s domain expertise, this partnership will advance indigenous technologies in mining, mineral processing, and emerging areas, contributing to sustainable development and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

This partnership underscores NMDC’s commitment to innovation-driven growth and IIT Hyderabad’s role in translating research into impactful industrial applications. Together, the institutions will contribute to the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Significantly, this collaboration comes at a landmark moment as NMDC’s R&D Centre celebrates 50 years of dedicated contribution to India’s mineral growth story, reinforcing its legacy of research excellence and its enduring pursuit of technological advancement.