IIT (ISM) Dhanbad launches M.Tech programme in mining of critical minerals
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Dhanbad, September 16: IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has launched a new M.Tech programme in Mining of Critical Minerals from…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dhanbad, September 16: IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has launched a new M.Tech programme in Mining of Critical Minerals from the 2026-27 Monsoon Session, with all 20 seats in the inaugural batch filled.
The two-year interdisciplinary programme brings together four departments — Mining Engineering, Applied Geology, Computer Science and Engineering, and Fuel, Mineral & Metallurgical Engineering — to prepare specialised manpower for the growing demand in the exploration, mining, processing and management of critical mineral resources.
The programme carries 85 credits under the National Education Policy (NEP) system and has been designed to provide students with expertise across the entire critical mineral value chain.
The programme focuses on critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements and other strategic resources that are increasingly important for clean energy technologies, electronics and advanced manufacturing.
Its curriculum covers the complete critical mineral value chain, including exploration, extraction, processing, mineral characterisation, recycling, project evaluation and resource governance.
Prof. Radhakanta Koner, Associate Professor, Department of Mining Engineering and Coordinator of the programme, said, “The programme has been designed to provide students with interdisciplinary expertise across the critical mineral value chain, from exploration and mining to processing, characterisation and resource management. It will prepare specialised manpower for an area that is becoming increasingly important for India’s resource security and technological growth.”
New courses and specialised laboratories
The curriculum includes new courses covering critical mineral exploration and mining methods, critical metal value chains, resource security and governance, project evaluation and computer vision techniques.
The programme also includes three specialised laboratory courses and an elective on ventilation and environment for critical mineral mining, further strengthening its interdisciplinary focus.
Opportunities in mining and mineral exploration sector
The programme is expected to create career opportunities for graduates in organisations involved in mineral exploration and mining.
Potential employers include Coal India Limited (CIL), Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), among other organisations operating in the sector.
The launch marks an expansion of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s longstanding expertise in mining and earth sciences into the emerging field of critical minerals, which has gained increasing importance for clean energy technologies, electronics, advanced manufacturing and resource security.
