KABIL Signs MoU with CSIR-IMMT for Technical Collaboration on Critical Minerals

Bhubaneswar: To enhance India’s capabilities in the mining and metallurgical sectors, Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT). The MoU, aimed at fostering technical and knowledge cooperation for critical minerals, was signed today at the NALCO Corporate Office in Bhubaneswar.

The signing ceremony witnessed the participation of key dignitaries, including Sadashiv Samantaray, Director (Commercial) of NALCO & CEO of KABIL, and Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT. Sridhar Patra, CMD of NALCO & Chairman of KABIL, graced the occasion with his presence, underscoring the significance of the collaboration.

Under the terms of the MoU, KABIL will leverage the technical expertise and resources of CSIR-IMMT to undertake various critical projects. These projects encompass the design and analysis of metallurgical test work-plans, the development and review of process flowsheets, and the selection of process technologies for mineral processing, beneficiation, and metal extraction. Additionally, the agreement will facilitate joint research initiatives and promote the exchange of scientific knowledge between the two entities.

Speaking on the occasion, Sridhar Patra expressed his delight at collaborating with CSIR-IMMT, emphasizing the pivotal role of such partnerships in advancing scientific research and technology development in the mineral and metallurgical sectors. He highlighted the importance of ensuring mineral security for the nation’s domestic requirements, underscoring KABIL’s commitment to supporting the “Make in India” initiative.

KABIL, a joint venture company of three prominent Indian public sector undertakings – National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. The primary mandate of KABIL is to identify, explore, acquire, develop, mine, process, and procure critical and strategic minerals, thereby ensuring the nation’s mineral security and bolstering domestic requirements.