CSIR-NML Hosts Critical Metals Congress 2025; Experts Stress R&D and Collaboration for Technological Sovereignty
Jamshedpur, November 6: “International collaboration today is not a choice but a necessity,” said Lekhan Thakkar, Joint Secretary, National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), Government of India, while inaugurating the three-day Critical Metals Congress (CRITMET) 2025 at CSIR–National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur, on Thursday. The event brought together leading national and international experts to discuss advancements, policies, and sustainable strategies in the field of critical minerals.
In his inaugural address, Thakkar highlighted the crucial role of critical metals in driving economic and industrial growth, noting that their strategic importance also shapes global geopolitics. He emphasized the need for diversification and cooperation among nations to develop resilient and transparent supply chains. “Partnerships built on trust and transparency will lead to mutual growth,” he said, adding that several Government of India initiatives under agencies like the ANRF are actively supporting R&D in this vital sector.
Dr. K. Anand Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), underlined the significance of developing consistent and sustainable sources of critical minerals. He said UCIL is ready to collaborate with research institutions, particularly in the extraction and processing of critical minerals.
Prof. Sarma V. Pisupati, Director of C2M at Penn State University, USA, urged scientists and engineers to be “creative, collaborative, and committed” to advancing indigenous technologies and transforming research into practical solutions.
Welcoming the delegates, Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director, CSIR-NML and President of the Congress, emphasized the importance of achieving technological sovereignty in critical minerals. He outlined CSIR-NML’s contributions toward India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in sectors like electronics, defense, and aerospace.
Organizing Committee Chairman Dr. Sanjay Kumar shared that CRITMET 2025 has drawn over 350 participants from academia, industry, and government. The conference aims to foster dialogue on policy, technology, and supply chain challenges.
The dignitaries also released the Conference Souvenir and Proceedings. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Abhilash, the conference convener. Over the next three days, global experts will engage in technical sessions, an exhibition of cutting-edge technologies, and a poster presentation showcasing the latest research on critical minerals.
