TEXMiN, the Technology Innovation and Translation Research Park (TTRP) at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, has formally launched the Satellite of the UK-India Critical Mineral Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO). Developed in collaboration with University of Cambridge, the initiative aligns with the Government of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and operates under the broader India–UK Technology Security Initiative.
The formal project kick-off was attended by G Kishan Reddy and Yvette Cooper, highlighting the growing strategic importance of critical minerals in strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.
The event also saw participation from senior government officials and industry stakeholders, including Lindy Cameron, Ben Mellor, Harjinder Kang, and Sarah Cooper, along with representatives from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, TEXMiN, the University of Cambridge and the Ministry of Mines.
The launch marks the operational commencement of the Observatory following the Letter of Intent signed between TEXMiN and the University of Cambridge in October 2025. The Observatory is envisioned as a world-class digital intelligence and risk analytics platform that will improve visibility, traceability, transparency and resilience across global critical mineral supply chains.
The initiative was originally announced jointly by Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer under the India–UK Technology Security Initiative. The project reflects the increasing importance of critical minerals in supporting clean energy transitions, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, electric vehicles, battery technologies, electronics and defence systems.
Hosted at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad through TEXMiN and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Observatory will leverage cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, satellite and geospatial monitoring, big data analytics, ESG auditing, supply chain stress testing, and cloud-native digital infrastructure. Together, these capabilities will form a comprehensive mineral intelligence ecosystem designed to support strategic decision-making.
Speaking at the launch, Prof Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman of the Hub Governing Board at TEXMiN, described the initiative as a transformative step toward India’s critical mineral security goals. “As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, access to reliable intelligence, predictive analytics and supply chain visibility will become increasingly important. Through this initiative, TEXMiN and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad are proud to contribute towards building a sovereign capability that supports informed decision-making, sustainable resource management and resilient supply chains for the future,” he said.
Prof Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director at TEXMiN, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, stating that the Observatory would bring together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and technology experts to address one of the most critical strategic challenges of the coming decades.
“By leveraging AI-driven analytics, mineral traceability systems and digital intelligence platforms, we aim to create a globally connected ecosystem that strengthens India’s preparedness while supporting secure and sustainable critical mineral value chains worldwide,” he noted.
Dr Mukesh highlighted the broader significance of the initiative, describing critical minerals as a strategic imperative for economies across the world. “The UK-India Critical Mineral Supply Chain Observatory represents a unique opportunity to build a trusted intelligence platform that enhances visibility, resilience and sustainability across mineral value chains. This collaboration will help governments, industries and research institutions navigate emerging risks and opportunities while supporting a secure and sustainable energy future,” he said.
The Observatory will play a crucial role in monitoring global mineral flows, identifying supply chain disruptions, assessing geopolitical and ESG-related risks, strengthening mineral traceability and promoting circular economy practices. It will also support the development of indigenous capabilities in Mining 4.0 technologies, AI-driven analytics, digital mining infrastructure and advanced mineral intelligence systems.
As the project moves into its implementation phase, it is expected to emerge as a critical national asset, providing policymakers, industries, researchers and strategic sectors with actionable insights and data-driven intelligence. The initiative further strengthens India’s ambition to become a global leader in critical mineral intelligence, sustainability auditing and resilient mineral value chains, contributing to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
