Research-driven innovation key to India’s industrial transformation: KMML MD at CSIR–NML Industry Conclave

CSIR–NML hosts Industry Conclave on Sustainable Mineral and Metal Development

Jamshedpur: The CSIR–National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR–NML), Jamshedpur, organised the Industry Conclave 2025 on Beneficiation and Extraction of Minerals & Metals at the Vigyan Auditorium, CSIR Madras Complex, Chennai. The event focused on bridging research, resources, and industry for sustainable growth and marked an important milestone in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of CSIR–NML, commemorating 75 years of excellence in metallurgical innovation.

The conclave brought together industry leaders, technologists, researchers, and policymakers from across the country to discuss the future of mineral beneficiation, metal extraction, value addition, and sustainability in the minerals sector. It served as a vibrant platform for industry–research collaborations, technology demonstrations, and strategic dialogue aimed at strengthening India’s self-reliance in mineral resources for a Viksit Bharat.

The inaugural session began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by welcome remarks from Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director, CSIR–NML. He highlighted the laboratory’s legacy in developing indigenous technologies and promoting collaborative research for industrial growth.

Chief Guest Pradeep Kumar P., Managing Director of The Kerala Minerals & Metals Limited (KMML), in his keynote address, underlined the importance of research-driven innovation and sustainable mineral utilization in supporting India’s industrial transformation. He praised the CSIR–NML knowledge base for creating significant value for KMML and the wider industry.

Guests of Honour Dr. (Smt.) N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR–SERC & Coordinating Director, CSIR Madras Complex, and Dr. K. J. Sreeram, Director, CSIR–CLRI, also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of deeper collaboration between CSIR laboratories and industries to drive innovation.

During the event, CSIR–NML signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Kerala Minerals & Metals Limited (KMML), Maheshwari Mining Pvt. Ltd. (MMPL), and the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.

Two technical sessions followed, featuring presentations on advancements in mineral beneficiation, extraction processes, and critical mineral recovery. The conclave concluded with an interactive discussion between scientists and industry experts, reinforcing CSIR–NML’s commitment to sustainable and technology-driven industrial growth.

Conclave was graced with about 100 delegates from prominent industries such as Kerala Minerals & Metals Ltd. (KMML), Tega McNally Minerals Ltd., Jindal Steels (JSW), NMDC Limited, Coal India Ltd. (CIL), IREL (India) Limited, Maheshwari Mining Pvt. Ltd., FLS Private Limited, TAMILNADU MINERALS LIMITED, MSME Testing Center  Chennai, Geological Survey of India Chennai, NIOT Chennai, Indo-Som Minerals Pvt. Ltd., Republic of Somaliland, East Africa, Saint-Gobain India Pvt Ltd, Mineral Technologies, SGS INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, JSW Steel Limited, IREL(India) Limited, Eriez Magnetics India, DMT Consulting Private Limited, The Ramco Cements Ltd, Virginia Tech India, Trimex group, Diva Envitech, MidWest Energy Pvt. Ltd., Lucid Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Jaywin Powerrs, BRIDGE GREEN UPCYCLE, IISc Bengaluru, Annamalai University, Anna University, NIT Calicut and many other organizations. These interactions fostered an open dialogue on technological challenges, industrial needs, and future collaboration pathways between CSIR Laboratories and the mineral industries.

Reflecting on the day’s proceedings, the conclave reaffirmed CSIR–NML’s pivotal role in bridging scientific research with industrial practice. Through its collaborative approach and commitment to innovation, CSIR–NML continues to lead efforts toward sustainable mineral development, resource efficiency, and technological sovereignty, which are key pillars of India’s journey toward Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.