TEXMiN Foundation, the Technology Translation Research Park (TTRP) at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, signed a memorandum of understanding with the State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry (GIREDMET) to collaborate on rare earth and critical mineral technologies. The agreement was signed at the Industry-Institute Interaction 2026 conclave and exhibition at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in the presence of the Chief Executive Officer of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Officials described the partnership as a step to combine translational research capabilities and global expertise to strengthen domestic self-reliance in rare metals.

The MoU establishes a cooperation framework across the mining value chain, from exploration and mineral beneficiation to extraction, separation, refining and advanced materials development. Under the agreement both institutions will pursue joint research and development on process technologies for rare earth and critical mineral processing, including pilot-scale validation and technology translation of GIREDMET processes at TEXMiN under the TTRP framework. The partnership is intended to accelerate development and industry-facing demonstrations and to raise technologies to higher Technology Readiness Levels.

A key focus is the development of high-coercivity permanent magnet blocks based on neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B), supported by a complete rare earth metallurgical cycle and high-purity metals and refractory powders for electronics and optics. The collaboration will explore hydrometallurgical recycling for lithium-ion batteries to recover lithium, nickel and cobalt and will develop recovery solutions for critical minerals from legacy mine dumps and tailings and from low-grade or complex ores. Digital twin-enabled smart processing plants integrating artificial intelligence and sensor systems are included to support pilot validation and industrial deployment.

Officials noted the initiative aligns with India's National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and Russia's Federal Project for the Development of Rare Metal Industry and will include expert exchanges, joint doctoral supervision and specialised training. Representatives from TEXMiN and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad are expected at RAREMET-2026 in Moscow from May 20-22, 2026 and the institutions will aim to translate research into sustainable, industry-ready solutions.