NLC India Limited Signs MoU with IIT(ISM) TEXMiN, Dhanbad for Critical and Strategic Mineral Exploration and Research

In line with the Government of India’s vision to strengthen the nation’s critical mineral security and support the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission, NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad – TEXMiN on 26th May 2026 at Neyveli.

The MoU was signed by Shri. I.S. Jasper Rose, Executive Director (Mines & Land), NLCIL and Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and Director – TEXMiN, in the presence of Shri. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD/ NLCIL & Member of Committee on Critical Minerals constituted by NITI Aayog, Dr. D.K.Singh, Chairman, Committee on Critical Minerals constituted by NITI Aayog and Dr. Suresh Chandra Suman, Director (Mines), NLCIL.

NLC India Limited has been actively pursuing initiatives for the exploration and utilisation of critical and strategic minerals from both primary and secondary resources. The Company has also secured two Critical Mineral Blocks through the transparent auction process and is actively pursuing the acquisition of additional critical mineral assets in India and overseas.

Further, the Company is a member of the committee constituted by NITI Aayog to study the potential for recovery of critical and strategic minerals from secondary resources such as overburden, lignite/coal, and mine tailings. As part of these initiatives, NLCIL has undertaken extensive studies on Rare Earth Elements (REE) and other trace elements from secondary source materials. The collaboration with IIT(ISM) TEXMiN is expected to strengthen research and technological capabilities in the areas of critical mineral exploration, beneficiation and extraction technologies.

TEXMiN, the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, is engaged in advanced research and technology development in mining and mineral sectors, with focus on critical mineral exploration, beneficiation and extraction methodologies. The partnership will provide a strong platform for both organisations to jointly undertake research, technology development and knowledge sharing in emerging areas of strategic mineral resource development.

The collaboration marks an important step towards enhancing indigenous capabilities in critical mineral value chains and aligns with the national objective of ensuring long-term resource security for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and strategic industries.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director, NLC India Limited, stated that the partnership with IIT(ISM) TEXMiN reflects NLCIL’s commitment towards innovation-driven resource development and sustainable mining practices. He emphasised that the collaboration would help accelerate research and technological advancements in critical mineral exploration and beneficiation, thereby contributing to India’s strategic mineral security and self-reliance initiatives.

The MoU signifies the shared commitment of NLCIL and IIT(ISM) TEXMiN towards fostering scientific collaboration, technological innovation and sustainable development in the mining and mineral sector in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.