The Industry-Institute Interaction 2025 (III-2025) Conclave, orchestrated by IIT(ISM) Dhanbad in tandem with the TEXMiN Foundation, has drawn to a close, leaving an indelible mark on the mining and energy sectors. This event was more than just a gathering; it was a catalyst for change, a forum where industry titans, government officials, and academic luminaries from around the globe converged to reshape the future of smart mining, critical minerals, and sustainable energy.
Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy, the distinguished Founder Chairman & Board Member of Cyient and Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Hyderabad and IIT Roorkee, graced the event as the Chief Guest. His presence underscored the event’s significance, as he emphasized the pivotal role of industry-academia collaboration in driving technological advancements. “Technology-driven advancements in mining and critical minerals are crucial for India’s economic and environmental sustainability,” Dr. Reddy asserted. He highlighted that the workshop provided a much-needed platform for co-creating solutions that will not only drive innovation but also ensure India remains at the forefront of global advancements in mining and energy.
The event was a hotbed of strategic collaborations and knowledge exchange. A Letter of Award was presented to TEXMiN by Mr. Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, MOIL, to undertake investment feasibility studies for manganese blocks under a prestigious JV with MOIL and Madhya Pradesh State Mining Corporation Limited. This collaboration exemplifies the growing synergy between industry and academia, with TEXMiN emerging as a pivotal player in pioneering innovative solutions in mining and energy.
Further solidifying industrial partnerships, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between TEXMiN and Deepak Fertilisers – Deepak Mining. This MoU aims to advance research-driven mining solutions, demonstrating a shared commitment to technological advancements. Esteemed guests, including Mr. Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, MOIL Limited, Prof. Amit Patra, Director, IIT (BHU), Prof. A K Mishra, Director, CSIR-CIMFR, Dhanbad, and Prof. V.M.S.R. Murthy, Director, IIEST, Shibpur, enriched the discussions with their insights, reinforcing the collective commitment to technological advancements in mining and energy.
The panel discussions at III-2025 were a highlight, delving into emerging trends in mining and energy. Experts explored futuristic mining technology, focusing on automation, digitalization, and sustainability. The Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) in Mining panel showcased innovations in IoT, AI, and automation. Discussions on Critical Minerals examined global trends, India’s position, and supply chain complementarities. The session on Net Zero Emissions addressed renewable energy, decarbonization, and corporate sustainability, charting a path toward a greener mining future.
Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad & Chairman HGB, TEXMiN, remarked that the III-2025 Workshop reflects a commitment to supporting innovation through industry-academia collaboration. He noted that the discussions and partnerships formed here will play a pivotal role in transforming mining technologies and advancing India’s position in critical minerals and green energy solutions. Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Dy. Director IIT(ISM) Dhanbad & Project Director, TEXMiN, echoed this sentiment, stating that TEXMiN is dedicated to bridging technological gaps in the mining sector by leveraging AI, CPS, and sustainable energy solutions.
The event also witnessed the technology transfer of a Shock tube initiator system to AMA Commercials (India) Private Limited for commercialization. This ultra-safe and robust detonation technology, developed by Prof Anupam Kher, VNIT, Nagpur, and AMA Commercial India Private Limited, under the Technology development project initiative of TEXMiN, represents a significant advancement in mining technology.
TEXMiN further extended its outreach by issuing Letters of Comfort to leading institutions, including IIEST Shibpur, VNIT Nagpur, BIT Sindri, NIT Rourkela, and JUT, for the establishment of CPS Centers of Excellence (CoEs). JUT (Jharkhand University of Technology) has been added as an outreach center, expanding the network for knowledge exchange and technological development. Additionally, Term Sheets were awarded to promising newly incubated startups, paving the way for emerging entrepreneurs in the mining sector.
This event is not just a milestone but a turning point. It signals a new era of collaboration and innovation in the mining sector, with academia and industry joining forces to tackle pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities. As the dust settles