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TEXMiN, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and University of Pretoria sign critical minerals MoU

2026-05-18

TEXMiN Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and the University of Pretoria, South Africa, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Indo–South Africa cooperation in critical minerals, rare earth element processing and sustainable mining innovation.

The agreement was signed on May 15 in New Delhi and aims to support joint research, technology development and academic exchange across the mining value chain. The collaboration brings together TEXMiN’s technology translation and innovation capabilities with the University of Pretoria’s academic expertise in mining, metallurgy and engineering sciences.

As part of the partnership, the institutions will work on research programmes covering critical mineral targeting, advanced geophysical methods, digital subsurface analytics, mineral processing, recycling systems and extraction technologies. The MoU also includes provisions for joint asset development, access to research infrastructure, and translational innovation initiatives aligned with global energy transition priorities. Both sides will also explore future Centre of Excellence-led initiatives to expand R&D, skilling and technology translation efforts.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials and academic leaders from both countries, including Mrs. Banu Prakash, Deputy High Commissioner at the Indian Embassy, and Shri Shyam Chand, First Secretary, Indian Embassy. Representatives from the University of Pretoria included Prof. Wynand Steyn, Dean, EBIT Faculty; Prof. Natasha Naude, Head of Department, Metallurgy; Prof. Tinus Otto, Mining Engineering; and Dr. Vinod Kurup from the Department of Metallurgy.

“This partnership reflects the growing importance of international cooperation in securing the future of critical minerals and sustainable mining technologies,” said Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman, Hub Governing Board, TEXMiN Foundation. “By bringing together complementary expertise from India and South Africa, we aim to create meaningful research outcomes, technology-led solutions, and knowledge-sharing platforms that can support industrial transformation and responsible resource development.”

Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director, TEXMiN, said the partnership will help build a globally connected innovation ecosystem for the mining and minerals sector through research, technology translation and talent development.

“This collaboration between the University of Pretoria and TEXMiN represents a significant opportunity to strengthen academic and research partnerships between South Africa and India in the field of critical minerals and sustainable mining,” said Prof. Wynand Steyn, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology, University of Pretoria.

The collaboration also includes student and researcher exchange programmes, internships, training and certification modules, executive upskilling and short-term technical training initiatives. Both institutions will jointly explore projects related to lithium, graphite, cobalt, nickel, manganese, aluminium, copper, rare-earth elements and battery materials, and may align efforts with India’s National Critical Mineral Mission framework.

The partnership will also support start-up incubation, workshops, seminars and jointly pitched industry opportunities, aimed at accelerating innovation and strengthening critical minerals ecosystems in both countries.

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