The two-day National Symposium on Critical Mineral Exploration (NSCME-2026) commenced today at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, bringing together leading scientists, industry experts, policymakers and researchers to deliberate on India’s strategic mineral future.
Organized by the Department of Applied Geology, the symposium is supported by ANRF and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, with collaboration from TEXMiN and the ANRF PAIR Project. The event is being held under the aegis of the Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals, aligned with the National Critical Mineral Mission of the Government of India.
In his welcome address, Convener Prof. Alik Sundar Mazumdar emphasized that critical minerals are indispensable for advanced electronics, clean energy technologies and strategic defence applications. He highlighted the urgent need for systematic exploration, technological innovation and collaborative research to secure resilient supply chains. He noted that the symposium aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share research findings and build partnerships for advancing mineral exploration in India.
Head of the Department of Applied Geology, Prof. Shushanta Sarangi, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of strengthening India’s capabilities in resource assessment and sustainable mineral development. He added that the technical sessions, lectures and poster presentations scheduled over the next two days will foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
Presiding over the function, Director Prof. Sukumar Mishra underlined the significance of knowledge exchange among experts. He remarked that such gatherings enable the transformation of experience into actionable knowledge, benefiting students and young researchers by helping them evolve into domain experts.
Guest of Honour Shri Rajiva Kumar Singh, ED (Exploration), CIL, highlighted that India is still at a developing stage in critical mineral exploration and stressed the need for accelerated efforts, technological advancement and global collaboration.
Special Guest of Honour Prof. A.K. Mishra, Director, CSIR-CIMFR, emphasized the importance of integrating academia, industry and regulatory bodies to drive innovation and self-reliance in critical minerals.
Chief Guest Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR Goa, spoke on emerging opportunities in deep-sea and polar mineral exploration, highlighting global challenges and the strategic importance of future-ready technologies.
Deputy Director Prof. Dheeraj Kumar felicitated the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and Special Guest of Honour during the inaugural session.
The symposium will continue over the next two days with plenary talks, technical sessions and research presentations.