National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur and the Gujarat Mineral Research and Industrial Consultancy Society (GMRICS), a premier research and consultancy body under the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), on Wednesday signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in geology, mining, mineral exploration and critical minerals research.

The agreement aims to establish long-term cooperation in the areas of education, research, training, innovation and skill development, with a special focus on industry-oriented and technology-driven mineral resource development.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Prof. N. V. Ramana Rao, Director, National Institute of Technology Raipur, and Dr. D. K. Sinha, Chief Executive Officer, Gujarat Mineral Research and Industrial Consultancy Society/Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation, Ahmedabad. Senior officials of Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation, including Mr. A. K. Makadia, Senior General Manager (Technical), and Mr. S. D. Dav, General Manager (Human Resources), along with faculty members and researchers from National Institute of Technology Raipur, were present during the signing ceremony.

The agreement will remain valid for an initial period of five years and may be extended further with the mutual consent of both institutions.

Under the partnership, the two institutions will jointly undertake research and training programmes in Earth Sciences, geological and geophysical surveys, mineral exploration, mining engineering, mineral beneficiation, analytical chemistry and management studies. The collaboration will also facilitate the exchange of faculty members, scientists and technical experts for specialised lectures, workshops, seminars and collaborative research initiatives. The partnership is expected to provide students, researchers and faculty members with opportunities for industrial training, internships, field-based studies and advanced research in alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020.

A key focus area of the collaboration will be research on critical minerals, which has emerged as a national priority under the Government of India’s mineral resource strategy. The institutions will explore research and development opportunities in strategically important mineral deposits, including the Ambaji Copper-Lead-Zinc deposits in Gujarat, besides mineral-rich regions in Chhattisgarh and other parts of the country.

The Memorandum of Understanding will also enable students of National Institute of Technology Raipur to undertake project work, field training and skill development programmes at the laboratories and project sites of Gujarat Mineral Research and Industrial Consultancy Society and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation. In turn, scientists and professionals associated with Gujarat Mineral Research and Industrial Consultancy Society/Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation will gain access to the advanced academic, laboratory and research infrastructure available at National Institute of Technology Raipur for collaborative studies and joint research projects.

To ensure effective implementation and monitoring of collaborative activities, Dr. Neeraj Vishwakarma and Dr. D. C. Jhariya of National Institute of Technology Raipur have been designated as nodal coordinators. A joint committee comprising representatives from both institutions will periodically review the progress, outcomes and impact of the collaborative programmes.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. N. V. Ramana Rao said the partnership would provide a robust platform for industry-academia collaboration and open new avenues for students, researchers and faculty members in the fields of geology, mining and mineral resource development. Dr. D. K. Sinha expressed confidence that the collaboration would significantly contribute to research, innovation, skill development and the advancement of national priorities in the critical minerals sector.

The strategic partnership is expected to strengthen academia-industry engagement, promote innovation-driven research in geology and mining, enhance human resource development and contribute to the sustainable and responsible development of India’s mineral resources.

 

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