TEXMiN Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Pretoria, South Africa, for research collaboration in critical minerals, rare earth element processing, recycling, extraction technologies and advanced mining innovation. According to reports from Business Standard, the partnership brings together TEXMiN's research and technology innovation expertise with the University of Pretoria's academic and research advancements in mining, metallurgy, and engineering sciences. The collaboration was announced on Friday and represents a significant step in strengthening international cooperation in critical mineral research.
Under the partnership, both institutions will jointly undertake research, technology development and academic exchange programmes focused on critical mineral targeting, advanced geophysical methods, digital subsurface analytics, mineral processing, recycling systems, and mining innovation. As reported by Business Standard, the collaboration will identify collaborative projects in sectors linked to lithium, graphite, cobalt, nickel, manganese, aluminium, copper, rare earth elements (REEs), battery materials and other critical minerals. The partnership aims to jointly explore and develop technological solutions across the mining value chain while strengthening global cooperation in emerging critical mineral ecosystems.
TEXMiN Foundation is a company created under the aegis of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) programme by the Department of Science and Technology. According to the foundation's statement, the collaboration will include joint asset development, access to facilities and infrastructure for stakeholders and research partners, implementation of collaborative programmes related to critical minerals, and translational innovation initiatives aligned with evolving global mineral and energy transition priorities. The partnership also opens opportunities for future Centre of Excellence (CoE)-led initiatives across both countries in advanced research and development, skilling, and technology translation.
Prof Sukumar Mishra, director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and chairman, Hub Governing Board, TEXMiN Foundation, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in securing critical minerals and promoting sustainable mining technologies. As reported by Business Standard, Mishra stated that the partnership reflects the growing importance of international cooperation in securing the future of critical minerals and sustainable mining technologies. University of Pretoria Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology Dean Prof Wynand Steyn noted that by combining expertise in engineering, mining, metallurgy and technology innovation, the collaboration aims to contribute towards future-focused solutions that support responsible resource development, knowledge exchange and industry-relevant research.
