KABIL & CSIR-IMMT team up for mineral tech

In a significant move towards bolstering India's mineral security and advancing technological capabilities in mineral processing, Khanij Bidesh India (KABIL) has inked an MoU with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT). The agreement, signed by Sadashiv Samantaray, Director (Commercial) of NALCO & CEO of KABIL, and Dr Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, paves the way for extensive technical and knowledge cooperation in critical minerals.

The signing ceremony, held at the NALCO Corporate Office in Bhubaneswar, witnessed the presence of Sridhar Patra, CMD of NALCO & Chairman of KABIL, underscoring the strategic importance of the collaboration. Under the MoU, KABIL will harness the technical expertise of CSIR-IMMT for various projects encompassing metallurgical test work plans, process flowsheet development, and the selection of process technologies for mineral processing, beneficiation, and metal extraction.

Moreover, the agreement will facilitate joint research initiatives and foster the exchange of scientific information between the two entities, aiming to propel advancements in the mineral and metallurgical sectors. Patra expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasising its role in creating a conducive environment for critical mineral exploration.

KABIL, a joint venture company comprising National Aluminium Company (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy (MECL), operates under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. The primary objective of KABIL is to ensure the supply-side assurance and mineral security of the nation by identifying, exploring, acquiring, developing, mining, processing, and procuring critical and strategic minerals.

This partnership aligns with the overarching goal of bolstering domestic mineral resources and supporting the “Make in India” initiative by fostering indigenous capabilities in critical minerals extraction and processing. As India strives for self-reliance in mineral resources, collaborations like these are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the country's mining industry.