Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director, TEXMiN, said AI, digital twins, automation, and geospatial intelligence can help address structural challenges in India’s mining and critical minerals sector.
TEXMiN IIT (ISM) Dhanbad participated in a high level NITI Aayog policy dialogue on the future of India’s mining and critical minerals sector.
The Technology Translation Research Park, supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, was invited alongside select deep tech startups, including DeepMatrix and Bidaal. The participation reflects TEXMiN’s role in advancing technology driven innovation for India’s mining ecosystem.
The discussion brought together senior government leadership, including Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, and Suman K Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, along with other policymakers and officials. The session focused on India’s transition toward Mining 4.0, critical mineral security, and the need for a resilient technology enabled mining ecosystem.
Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director, TEXMiN, said, “It was an important opportunity to engage in a constructive policy dialogue with key stakeholders on the future of India’s mining sector. At TEXMiN, we are focused on building technology-driven solutions that can address the sector’s structural challenges, from exploration and data integration to safety and productivity. As India looks to strengthen its position in critical minerals, initiatives like Mining 4.0 will be central to ensuring long-term competitiveness and self-reliance.”
During the dialogue, TEXMiN highlighted the global shift from labour intensive and mechanised mining operations to intelligent, data driven, and increasingly autonomous systems. It also pointed to India’s diverse mining landscape, where large enterprises and MSMEs operate with different levels of technological readiness.
TEXMiN said advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, automation, and geospatial intelligence can support this transition. Through scalable and modular solutions, the organisation aims to help mining stakeholders improve productivity, enhance safety, and optimise operations.
The discussion also focused on the growing importance of critical minerals for clean energy, electric mobility, and advanced manufacturing. Participants discussed the need to build domestic capabilities and reduce import dependence through technology led interventions.
Another key area of discussion was the need to move beyond extraction and build integrated capabilities in processing, refining, advanced materials, and circularity. TEXMiN also emphasised cohesive policy support and predictive, data driven exploration models to unlock complex and deep seated mineral deposits in India.
TEXMiN’s participation reflects its growing recognition as a national platform for mining innovation and its alignment with India’s goals around technological self reliance, critical mineral security, and sustainable development.
At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
Add Comment