NMDC R&D Centre, IIT Hyderabad Sign MoU to Strengthen Academic and Research Collaboration
NMDC Partners with IIT Hyderabad for Advanced Mining and Mineral Research
The R&D Centre of NMDC Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad), marking a significant step toward strengthening industry–academia collaboration in India’s mineral and metals sector.
The MoU was signed by Sanjeev Sahi, Executive Director (R&D), NMDC, and the Dean (Sponsored Research & Consultancy), IIT Hyderabad, in the presence of Prof. B. S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad. The agreement aims to advance indigenous technologies in mineral processing and allied domains.
Focus on Indigenous Technology and Sustainable Mining
The collaboration brings together NMDC’s operational expertise with IIT Hyderabad’s academic and research capabilities. Joint research initiatives will focus on iron ore beneficiation and agglomeration, green steelmaking technologies, alternate ironmaking using indigenous raw materials, and advanced modelling and simulation of mining and metallurgical processes.
The partnership will also explore extraction technologies for critical and rare earth minerals from both primary and secondary sources, supporting India’s mineral security and long-term resource resilience.
Driving Mining 4.0 and Digital Transformation
Aligned with the ongoing digital transformation of the mining industry, the MoU will promote research and pilot projects in autonomous vehicle movement, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Mining 4.0 frameworks, and drone-enabled surveying and monitoring systems.
By integrating field operations with research-driven innovation, the collaboration aims to deliver sustainable and technology-led solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and environmental stewardship across India’s mining ecosystem.
Leadership Perspective
Speaking on the occasion, Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NMDC, said the partnership reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation through industry–academia collaboration.
He noted that leveraging IIT Hyderabad’s research excellence alongside NMDC’s domain expertise will help advance indigenous technologies in mining, mineral processing, and emerging technological areas, contributing to sustainable development and the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
A Milestone Year for NMDC R&D
The collaboration assumes added significance as NMDC’s R&D Centre marks 50 years of contribution to India’s mineral development journey. The partnership highlights NMDC’s continued focus on innovation-driven growth while reinforcing IIT Hyderabad’s role in translating academic research into impactful industrial applications.
