IIT-ISM Dhanbad to Host Satellite Campus of UK–India Critical Minerals Observatory

Dhanbad: In a landmark move to bolster India’s leadership in minerals and clean technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the establishment of a satellite campus of the UK–India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

The announcement came during a joint press statement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai, following the inaugural session of the UK–India Critical Minerals Roundtable and Industry Guild. The new campus will act as a hub for research, innovation, and policy development, strengthening the supply chain of critical minerals crucial for green energy, clean technology, and modern industries.

Highlighting the initiative, PM Modi said the launch of the Observatory’s second phase will coincide with the creation of an Industry Guild to deepen cooperation in sustainable resource management and technology development.

The project underscores IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s century-long excellence in mining and geosciences, and will enhance India’s expertise in exploration, processing, and supply chain management of critical minerals. The TexMin Foundation at IIT (ISM) — a Technology Innovation Hub under the Department of Science and Technology’s NM-ICPS programme — will play a key role in the collaboration, focusing on cyber-physical systems for mining and resource efficiency.

The move further cements India–UK collaboration in science and innovation, adding to existing partnerships such as the Connectivity and Innovation Centre and the Joint Centre for Artificial Intelligence. With this initiative, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad is set to emerge as a global knowledge and innovation centre driving sustainable mineral development and supporting India’s clean energy transition.