State-run mining major NMDC Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) to collaborate on advanced research in green steel, next-generation ironmaking technologies, and critical minerals.
The partnership is aimed at accelerating research-driven solutions to support low-carbon steel production while strengthening India’s mineral resource resilience amid rising global demand for sustainable materials, NMDC said in a release.
Under the agreement, NMDC and IIT Hyderabad will jointly undertake research projects, pilot studies, and technology development initiatives across key areas including green steel production, low-emission ironmaking processes, and beneficiation and value addition of critical minerals.
The collaboration will explore next-generation ironmaking technologies designed to reduce carbon intensity, improve energy efficiency, and align with global decarbonisation targets. It will also focus on optimising mineral processing techniques to enhance recovery rates and reduce waste, thereby improving overall resource efficiency.
With the steel sector accounting for a significant share of industrial carbon emissions globally, the move signals NMDC’s intent to align with evolving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) benchmarks while maintaining competitiveness in a transitioning global market.
The MoU also places emphasis on research into critical minerals, an area of increasing strategic importance as India accelerates its energy transition and manufacturing ambitions. Critical minerals are essential inputs for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, advanced electronics, and defence technologies.
By leveraging IIT Hyderabad’s research capabilities and NMDC’s domain expertise in mining and mineral development, the collaboration aims to support domestic value chains and reduce reliance on imports of key mineral resources.
The initiative aligns with India’s long-term commitment to reducing carbon intensity and promoting sustainable industrial growth. As global steelmakers increasingly adopt green technologies to meet regulatory and investor expectations, collaborative research in low-emission ironmaking and mineral efficiency could position Indian players competitively in international markets.