NLC India Limited has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad – TEXMiN to bolster the exploration and research of critical and strategic minerals. The agreement was formalised on 26th May 2026 at Neyveli.
The MoU was signed by Shri. LS. Jasper Rose, Executive Director (Mines & Land) of NLCIL, and Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and Director of TEXMiN. The signing ceremony was attended by key figures such as Shri. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD of NLCIL and member of the Committee on Critical Minerals constituted by NITI Aayog, Dr. D.K. Singh, Chairman of the same committee, and Dr. Suresh Chandra Suman, Director (Mines) at NLCIL.
NLC India Limited is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at exploring and utilising critical and strategic minerals from both primary and secondary resources. The company has already secured two critical mineral blocks through a transparent auction process and is pursuing additional acquisitions both domestically and internationally.
Furthermore, NLCIL is a member of a committee established by NITI Aayog to explore the potential recovery of critical and strategic minerals from secondary resources such as overburden, lignite/coal, and mine tailings. The company has conducted extensive research on Rare Earth Elements (REE) and other trace elements from secondary sources. The partnership with IIT(ISM) TEXMiN is expected to enhance research and technological capabilities in critical mineral exploration, beneficiation, and extraction technologies.
TEXMiN, the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, focuses on advanced research and technology development in the mining and mineral sectors, with a particular emphasis on critical mineral exploration and extraction methodologies. This collaboration will provide a robust platform for both organisations to engage in joint research, technology development, and knowledge sharing in emerging areas of strategic mineral resource development.
This partnership marks a significant step towards strengthening indigenous capabilities in critical mineral value chains, aligning with national objectives to ensure long-term resource security for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, and strategic industries.
Shri. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director of NLC India Limited, highlighted that the partnership with IIT(ISM) TEXMiN underscores NLCIL’s commitment to innovation-driven resource development and sustainable mining practices. He noted that the collaboration would accelerate research and technological advancements in critical mineral exploration and beneficiation, contributing to India’s strategic mineral security and self-reliance initiatives.
The MoU signifies the shared commitment of NLCIL and IIT(ISM) TEXMiN towards fostering scientific collaboration, technological innovation, and sustainable development in the mining and mineral sector, in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a regulatory filing submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).