India Amplifies Efforts in Securing Critical Mineral Supplies Through Advanced Mining R&D

India Amplifies Efforts in Securing Critical Mineral Supplies Through Advanced Mining R&D

VoM News Desk | November 13, 2023 | 11:50 PM IST | Breaking News | Follow on Google News

India Amplifies Efforts in Securing Critical Mineral Supplies Through Advanced Mining R&D

India Amplifies Efforts in Securing Critical Mineral Supplies Through Advanced Mining R&D

India is intensifying its efforts to ensure a steady supply of critical and rare earth minerals. The Mines Ministry has invited proposals for research and development in advanced mining technologies, including deep-sea and environmentally friendly mining, from various academic institutions.

Focus on Strategic Minerals and Sustainable Solutions

The government’s three-year plan aims to establish and support R&D projects targeting critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and tungsten. These initiatives are expected to leverage cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The focus is on finding sustainable solutions for exploring and mining these vital minerals, often located in challenging environments.

Invitation for Project Proposals

The ministry is calling for projects from recognized academic institutions, universities, and R&D institutions. These projects should focus on directed R&D in areas directly impacting the mineral sector, emphasizing applied, sustainable mining practices, and industrial applications.

Opening Up of Mineral Categories and Legislative Changes

Recent changes in mining legislation have opened various mineral categories to private sector participation. The auction process for these mineral blocks will commence shortly. The revision of mining laws has also removed several critical minerals from the restricted list, allowing private sector involvement in their mining.

Government’s R&D Initiatives for Efficient and Sustainable Mining

The government’s R&D initiatives are geared toward employing the right technologies for efficient and sustainable mining. The focus areas include critical minerals, rare earth minerals, recycling, energy efficiency, and new materials and processes.

Specific Projects and Technology Development

Proposals are sought for developing technologies for nickel and lithium recovery, automated systems for metal sorting, and AI-based solutions for scrap sorting. The initiative also includes IoT and sensor-based technology for real-time monitoring in metal recycling, collaborative robotics, and energy recovery systems to enhance mining sustainability.

Funding and Participation Criteria

Each R&D project proposal should include a mandatory 20% participation from the MSME sector or at least 15% cash contribution. For CSIR Labs, co-funding from CSIR is required. Projects will be evaluated by committees, and funding decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, with potential grants covering up to 100% of project costs.

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