SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Oct 13: Padma Bhushan Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, emphasized the urgent need to establish a self-reliant and technologically advanced ecosystem for critical mineral extraction in India.
Addressing the National Conference on Critical Metals Innovation, Separation, and Processing (CRISP-2025) at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad on Monday as the chief guest, Dr. Saraswat highlighted that achieving self-sufficiency in critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements is crucial for India’s transition to clean energy and high-tech manufacturing.
Dr. Saraswat underscored the importance of secondary resource valorization, advanced solvent extraction, bio-leaching, and AI-driven process monitoring systems in developing next-generation refining technologies.
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He proposed establishing dedicated pilot plants at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and introducing critical mineral processing and solvent extraction courses in academic curricula to nurture skilled human resources.
Stressing stronger industry–academia collaboration, he said that translating laboratory innovations into industrial applications would accelerate India’s journey toward a circular economy. Dr. Saraswat noted that innovation, interdisciplinary research, and timely technological intervention are key to positioning India as a global hub for critical minerals.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM), highlighted the growing global significance of critical minerals in ensuring a sustainable energy future. He expressed pride that a Centre of Excellence in Critical Mineralisation and the India–UK Critical Minerals Observatory will be established at the institute.
Prof. Mishra also emphasized the need for adaptive, analytical, and data-driven frameworks for “control actuation” in critical mineral operations, urging researchers to lead India’s clean energy transition through innovation, collaboration, and resilience. He commended the conference organizers for facilitating discussions that will shape India’s critical mineral roadmap.
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Deputy Director Prof. Dheeraj Kumar also addressed the gathering, while Prof. Aarti Kumari, Convener of CRISP-2025, welcomed the guests. Prof. Shatrughan Soren, Head of the Department of Fuel, Minerals & Metallurgical Engineering, highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts in sustainable mineral research.
Dr. D.K. Singh, Advisor of CRISP-2025, and Prof. Vishnu Teja Mantripragada, Co-Convener, delivered the vote of thanks, concluding the event successfully.
