The successful conclusion of the Industry-Institute Interaction 2025 (III-2025) Conclave, which was conducted by IIT(ISM) Dhanbad in partnership with the TEXMiN Foundation, strengthened the important connection between academics and industry in determining the direction of critical minerals, smart mining, and sustainable energy.
The gathering provided a forum for creative dialogues, calculated partnerships, and information sharing between business executives, public servants, and scholars from around the world.
The Chief Guest for the workshop was Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy, who is the Chairman of the Board of Governors of IIT Hyderabad and IIT Roorkee and the Founder Chairman and Board Member of Cyient. Dr. Reddy said, “Technology-driven advancements in mining and critical minerals are crucial for India’s economic and environmental sustainability,” in reference to the need of industry-academia partnership.
This workshop has given industry and academia a much-needed forum to jointly develop solutions that will spur innovation and guarantee that India stays at the forefront of mining and energy breakthroughs worldwide. I commend the TEXMiN Foundation and IIT(ISM) Dhanbad for putting together such a thought-provoking and influential program.
Along with these enlightening conversations, III-2025 saw important announcements and industry-academia partnerships, reaffirming TEXMiN’s position as a leader in developing cutting-edge mining and energy solutions.
Mr. Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, MOIL, gave TEXMiN a Letter of Award to conduct investment feasibility studies for manganese blocks as part of a prestigious joint venture with Madhya Pradesh State Mining Corporation Limited and MOIL. To develop industrial ties, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between TEXMiN and Deepak Fertilisers – Deepak Mining, aiming at advancing research-driven mining solutions.
Distinguished Guests of Honor were also welcomed to the occasion, including Prof. Amit Patra, Director of IIT (BHU), Prof. A K Mishra, Director of CSIR-CIMFR, Dhanbad, Prof. V.M.S.R. Murthy, Director of IIEST, Shibpur, and Mr. Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, MOIL Limited. Their perspectives enhanced the conversations and reaffirmed the mutual dedication to mining and energy technology breakthroughs.
The stimulating panel discussions on new mining and energy trends were a major highlight of III-2025. While the Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) in Mining panel presented advancements in IoT, AI, and automation, experts examined futuristic mining technology with an emphasis on automation, digitization, and sustainability.
While the Net Zero Emissions session covered renewable energy, decarbonization, and corporate sustainability, highlighting the way toward a greener mining future, the Critical Minerals discussion focused on global trends, India’s position, and supply chain complementarities.
The technological transfer of a shock tube initiator system to AMA Commercials (India) Private Limited for commercialization was another significant event highlight. This technique, which was created by Prof. Anupam Kher of VNIT Nagpur and AMA Commercial India Private Limited as part of the TEXMiN technology development project program, is incredibly safe and reliable for starting any nonelectric detonation.
In order to expand its reach, TEXMiN sent letters of comfort for the creation of CPS Centers of Excellence (CoEs) to prestigious universities, such as IIEST Shibpur, VNIT Nagpur, BIT Sindri, NIT Rourkela, and JUT.
The network for information sharing and technological advancement has also been expanded with the addition of JUT (Jharkhand University of Technology) as an outreach center. Term Sheets were given to potential recently incubated firms, which significantly increased innovation and opened doors for upcoming mining industry entrepreneurs.
Leadership Comments
Speaking about the event’s success, Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad & Chairman HGB, TEXMiN, remarked, “The III-2025 Workshop reflects our commitment towards supporting innovation through industry-academia collaboration. The discussions and partnerships formed here will play a pivotal role in transforming mining technologies and advancing India’s position in critical minerals and green energy solutions.”
Echoing this sentiment, Prof Dheeraj Kumar, Dy. Director IIT(ISM) Dhanbad & Project Director, TEXMiN, stated, “At TEXMiN, we are dedicated to bridging technological gaps in the mining sector by leveraging AI, CPS, and sustainable energy solutions. The partnerships and collaborations initiated during III-2025 mark a significant step forward in realizing our vision of safe, smart, and sustainable mining.”
