THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dhanbad, March 19: The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, on Thursday hosted the opening of the National Symposium on Critical Mineral Exploration (NSCME-2026), bringing together scientists, industry experts, policymakers and researchers to discuss India’s strategic mineral needs.
The two-day symposium, being held at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre, is organised by the Department of Applied Geology. It is supported by the ANRF and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, in collaboration with TEXMiN and the ANRF PAIR Project.
The event is being conducted under the Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals and aligns with the Government of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission.
Focus on Supply Chains, Technology and Collaboration
Welcoming participants, Convener Prof. Alik Sundar Mazumdar highlighted that critical minerals are vital for advanced electronics, clean energy and defence applications.
He stressed the need for:
- Systematic mineral exploration
- Technological innovation
- Stronger research collaboration
He added that the symposium aims to foster knowledge-sharing and partnerships to strengthen India’s mineral ecosystem.
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Experts Call for Stronger Capabilities
Head of the Department, Prof. Shushanta Sarangi, emphasised the importance of enhancing India’s capabilities in resource assessment and sustainable mineral development.
Director Prof. Sukumar Mishra noted that such platforms help convert experience into actionable knowledge, benefiting students and young researchers.
India Still Developing in Critical Mineral Exploration
Guest of Honour Shri Rajiva Kumar Singh, ED (Exploration), CIL, said India is still in a developing stage of critical mineral exploration, highlighting the need for faster progress, advanced technologies and global collaboration.
Push for Industry-Academia Integration
Special Guest of Honour Prof. A.K. Mishra, Director, CSIR-CIMFR, stressed the importance of collaboration between academia, industry and regulators to drive innovation and achieve self-reliance.
Chief Guest Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR Goa, spoke about emerging opportunities in deep-sea and polar mineral exploration, underlining the importance of future-ready technologies.
The symposium will continue over the next two days with plenary lectures, technical sessions and research presentations, aimed at strengthening India’s position in the critical minerals sector.
