In a landmark development for India–UK scientific collaboration, the Technology Innovation and Translation Research Park (TEXMiN) of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad has signed a prestigious Letter of Intent (LoI) with the University of Cambridge, UK, to establish the Critical Minerals Supply Chain Satellite Observatory at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad. The agreement marks the launch of Phase II of the UK–India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory, a global initiative led by the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) and supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The LoI was signed on October 8, 2025, during the India–UK Critical Minerals Guild, held in the presence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Representing India, the document was signed by Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman of the Hub Governing Board of TEXMiN. This collaboration aims to strengthen research, innovation, and policy cooperation between the two nations in the field of critical minerals resources essential for emerging technologies, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.
TEXMiN, supported by DST, will serve as the lead implementing body responsible for hosting and developing the observatory in India. The facility is envisioned as a cutting-edge research hub leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and remote sensing. It will enable comprehensive data-driven analytics, enhance traceability across the mineral value chain, and promote sustainability and resilience in global supply systems.
The initiative gained further momentum following a bilateral meeting held on October 9, 2025, in Mumbai between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. During the meeting, both leaders formally announced the establishment of the Critical Minerals Industry Guild and the Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, underscoring the strategic importance of critical minerals cooperation in achieving clean energy transitions and economic security.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Sukumar Mishra described the partnership as “a defining moment in India’s critical minerals journey.” He stated, “This LoI with the University of Cambridge reflects TEXMiN’s pivotal role in advancing India’s global leadership in sustainable and secure supply chains. The observatory will strengthen India’s capacity in mineral traceability, sustainability, and resource mapping.”
Echoing these sentiments, Prof Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director of TEXMiN, highlighted that the collaboration “exemplifies the power of global cooperation in addressing one of the most strategic challenges of our time, critical mineral security.” He added that the observatory will accelerate research and innovation while fostering skill development and industry readiness in this crucial domain.
This initiative further consolidates TEXMiN’s position as a national leader in technology translation and innovation within the mining and mineral systems sector. It aligns with India’s broader objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), energy transition and sustainable industrial development.
Once operational, the Critical Minerals Satellite Observatory at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad will serve as a vital enabler for cross-border research, data integration, and industry engagement. It aims to lay the groundwork for a globally resilient, transparent and circular critical minerals ecosystem ensuring secure and sustainable value chains for the future.
