CSIR-NML hosts conclave on Minerals and Metals for Sustainable Growth

chennai: the csir-national metallurgical laboratory (csir-nml), jamshedpur, hosted the industry conclave 2025 on beneficiation and extraction of minerals & metals at the vigyan auditorium, csir madras complex, chennai, focusing on bridging research, resources, and industry for sustainable growth. the event marked a milestone in the platinum jubilee celebrations of csir-nml, commemorating 75 years of contributions to mineral processing, metal extraction, and metallurgical innovations.the conclave brought together industry leaders, researchers, technologists, and policymakers from across india to deliberate on mineral beneficiation, value addition, and sustainable practices in the mineral and metals sector. the event served as a platform to foster industry-research collaborations, technology showcase, and strategic discussions aimed at enhancing india's self-reliance in mineral resources.the inaugural session began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony. dr. sandip ghosh chowdhury, director, csir-nml, highlighted the laboratory's legacy in developing indigenous technologies and promoting collaborative research to support industrial growth.the keynote address was delivered by shri pradeep kumar p., managing director, kerala minerals & metals limited (kmml), who emphasised the importance of research-driven innovation and sustainable mineral utilization. he acknowledged that the collaboration with csir-nml has created significant value for kmml and reinforced the role of scientific research in india's industrial transition.dr. (smt.) n. anandavalli, director, csir-serc, and coordinating director, csir madras complex, and dr. k. j. sreeram, director, csir-clri, were present as guests of honour and highlighted opportunities for future csir-industry partnerships.during the conclave, csir-nml signed mous with kmml, maheshwari mining pvt. ltd. (mmpl), and the foundation for science, innovation and development, iisc bengaluru, covering areas of mutual interest. these agreements aim to translate research excellence into industrial innovation and enhance india's global competitiveness in the minerals sector.two technical sessions showcased research advances and industrial case studies in mineral beneficiation, extraction, and critical mineral recovery. scientists from csir-nml and industry representatives discussed technological challenges, industrial requirements, and future collaboration pathways.the event was attended by around 100 delegates from prominent organisations, including jindal steels (jsw), nmdc limited, coal india ltd., irel (india) limited, fls pvt. ltd., tega mcnally minerals ltd., tamil nadu minerals ltd., saint-gobain india pvt. ltd., mineral technologies, virginia tech india, anna university, nit calicut, annamalai university, and several others, as well as international participants from republic of somaliland, east africa.reflecting on the conclave, csir-nml reaffirmed its role in bridging scientific research with industrial practice. through collaborative approaches and a commitment to innovation, the laboratory continues to lead efforts toward sustainable mineral development, resource efficiency, and technological sovereignty, supporting india's vision of aatmanirbhar bharat and viksit bharat.