Tata Steel said that it has opened a Centre for Innovation in Mining and Mineral Beneficiation at the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (IIT (ISM) Dhanbad) with an investment of INR 22 crores.

The Indian steel producer said that it intends to bolster its competitiveness for the long term by excelling in creating technological solutions in natural and urban mining and beneficiation for value from low grade and tough ores.

The mining technology hub in IIT (ISM) Dhanbad is expected to facilitate the growth of relevant research infrastructure, draw talent, and help boost industry-academia collaborative eco-system in the subjects of strategic importance to India, said Tata Steel.

Besides, the Centre for Innovation in Mining and Mineral Beneficiation is in line with the focus of the steel producer in developing closer ties with centres of academic excellence and establish technology clusters in identified, strategic regions.

Dr Debashish Bhattacharjee — Tata Steel Vice President of Technology and New Materials Business said: “Collaboration between industry and academia is key to catalysing innovation and aiding sustainable business growth. IIT (ISM) Dhanbad provides a strong academic and research platform with excellent talent pool in one of the areas of Tata Steel’s strategic, long- and short-term business interests – mining and mineral beneficiation.”

IIT (ISM) Dhanbad is expected to provide technological thought leadership and further cement the research and development ability of Tata Steel. The Centre for Innovation in Mining and Mineral Beneficiation is located strategically to make use of the advantages of other adjacent research institutes, regulatory bodies, and, others, said Tata Steel.

Professor Rajiv Shekhar — Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Director said: “IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, a world-renowned Institute in the fields of Mining, Mineral & Earth Sciences, is extremely pleased to work with Tata Steel Limited on this path-breaking initiative. Academia and industry need to forge such symbiotic partnerships that bring benefits to both.

“Such collaborative efforts will be instrumental in advancing research and innovation in technology development, besides creating a skilled workforce. Through this joint collaboration, we look forward to leveraging the latest technological advancements to groom our researchers and work towards the development of sustainable, innovative processes for a green and safe future.”

  Dr. Debashish Bhattacharjee, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, India, Jharkhand, Professor Rajiv Shekhar, Tata Steel