NMDC, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) Centre in Patancheru, Hyderabad. This new facility represents a substantial investment of ₹50 crores as part of NMDC’s strategic allocation of over ₹150 crores towards research and development in the past five years.
Since its inception in 1970, NMDC’s R&D division has been at the forefront of mineral processing innovations, earning recognition as a Centre of Excellence by UNIDO and DSIR for its contributions to both domestic and global industries. The new R&D Centre is equipped with cutting-edge laboratories and sophisticated instruments such as an automated mineral analyser and an automated fusion bead-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser, designed to ensure precise and efficient mineral characterisation.
The Centre also includes a specialised facility for palletisation studies, aimed at generating critical data to support the installation of commercial pellet plants. This initiative is expected to not only meet NMDC’s internal requirements but also provide valuable insights and advancements in mineral processing and pellet production for the broader sector.
During the inauguration, Shri Amitava Mukherjee emphasised NMDC’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, stating, “Embracing our responsibility to innovate and lead the Indian Mining Industry towards a sustainable future through research and development, we open the doors to NMDC’s new state-of-the-art R&D Centre. As we stride forward to innovate and inspire, we are not just investing in research here, we are investing in India’s Future.”
One of the standout features of the new facility is the hydrogen reduction setup, integrated with a microwave-assisted heating furnace. This pioneering technology is expected to play a crucial role in the development of green steel-making technologies, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability in the steel industry.
In addition to its technological advancements, the NMDC R&D Centre will serve as a hub for collaboration with leading academic institutions and industry experts. The Centre’s expertise spans across mineralogical characterisation, elemental analysis, bulk materials handling and storage, mineral processing, and coal and coke characterisation.
The new R&D facility emphasises NMDC’s commitment to driving the digital transformation of India’s mining sector and reinforcing its dedication to responsible mining practices. By fostering an ecosystem rooted in sustainability, the Centre is poised to support both corporate and public sector players in maximising mineral recovery and ensuring mineral security for India.
