Breaking News

Govt Enforces ‘Melt and Pour’ Rule for All Steel in Public Projects Nippon Steel expected to finalize U.S. Steel acquisition at $55 per share NMDC Limited reports a 38% drop in Q4 FY24 consolidated net profit RINL to Raise $23 Million Through Land Sales Amid Crisis

NMDC unveils ₹150 cr advanced R&D Centre in Hyderabad for sustainable mining innovation

984340_1718779649_small.png
Mid Corporate 19 Jun 2024 12:17 PM IST The Hindu BusinessLine

National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), India’s largest iron ore producer, unveiled its new state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) Center in Patancheru, Hyderabad, to advance innovation in mineral processing and sustainable steel technology. In the last five years, the Hyderabad-based Navratna business has strategically invested over ₹150 crore in research and development, in addition to ₹50 crore for constructing a new R&D centre.

“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 Center,” Amitava Mukherjee, CMD, NMDC, said in a release. “As we stride forward to innovate and inspire, we are not just investing in research here, we are investing in India’s Future,” he added. 

The new facility, which occupies eight acres in Patancheru, is a "decisive" move toward propelling the largest iron ore producer in India's digital transformation. By creating a fundamentally sustainable ecology, it will reaffirm its dedication to ethical mining practices. The R&D Centre houses modern labs run by professionals that promote innovation in sustainable mining technology and ore beneficiation. 

The Centre features a dedicated facility for pelletisation studies, which will generate crucial data for the installation of commercial pellet plants. This will enhance NMDC’s in-house requirements and capabilities and benefit the sector by providing valuable insights into mineral processing and pellet production.

One of the unique aspects of the new R&D Centre is the hydrogen reduction facility, integrated with a microwave-assisted heating furnace. This innovative setup will play a vital role in developing green steel-making technologies, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices in the steel industry.

Equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure, the Centre is an expert in Mineralogy, Elemental Analysis, Bulk Materials Handling and Storage, Mineral Processing, and Coal and Coke Characterisation. At the forefront of innovation, the Centre will serve as a hub for collaboration with leading academic institutions and industry experts to become the nerve centre of the industry.