Industry-Institute Interaction 2025 (III-2025) Conclave Successfully Concludes at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad in Collaboration with TEXMiN Foundation as its Industry Partner

The Industry-Institute Interaction 2025 (III-2025) Conclave, organized by IIT(ISM) Dhanbad in collaboration with TEXMiN Foundation, concluded successfully, reinforcing the vital link between

academia and industry in shaping the future of smart mining, critical minerals, and sustainable energy. The event served as a platform for innovative discussions, strategic collaborations, and knowledge exchange among industry leaders, government representatives, and academicians from across the globe.

The workshop was honored by the presence of Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman & Board Member of Cyient and Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Hyderabad and IIT Roorkee, as the Chief Guest. Reflecting on the significance of industry-academia collaboration, Dr. Reddy stated, “Technology-driven advancements in mining and critical minerals are crucial for India’s economic and environmental sustainability. This workshop has provided a much-needed platform for industry and academia to co-create solutions that will not only drive innovation but also ensure that India remains at the forefront of global advancements in mining and energy. I applaud IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and TEXMiN Foundation for organizing such an insightful and impactful event.”

In addition to these insightful discussions, III-2025 witnessed significant industry-academia collaborations and key announcements, solidifying TEXMiN’s role in pioneering innovative solutions in mining and energy. A Letter of Award was presented to TEXMiN by Mr. Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, MOIL, to undertake investment feasibility studies for manganese blocks under a prestigious JV with MOIL and Madhya Pradesh State Mining Corporation Limited. To strengthen industrial partnerships, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between TEXMiN and Deepak Fertilisers - Deepak Mining, aimed at advancing research-driven mining solutions.

The event also welcomed esteemed Guests of Honor, including Mr. Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, MOIL Limited, Prof. Amit Patra, Director, IIT (BHU), Prof. A K Mishra, Director, CSIR-CIMFR, Dhanbad, and Prof. V.M.S.R. Murthy, Director, IIEST, Shibpur. Their insights enriched the discussions and reinforced the shared commitment to technological advancements in mining and energy.

A key highlight of III-2025 was the thought-provoking panel discussions on emerging trends in mining and energy. Experts explored Futuristic Mining Technology, focusing on automation, digitalization, and sustainability, while the Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) in Mining panel showcased innovations in IoT, AI, and automation. Discussions on Critical Minerals examined global trends, India's position, and supply chain complementarities, while the session on Net Zero Emissions addressed renewable energy, decarbonization, and corporate sustainability, highlighting the path toward a greener mining future.

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.”

Another key highlight of the event was the technology transfer of a Shock tube initiator system to AMA Commercials (India) Private Limited for commercialization. Developed by Prof Anupam Kher, VNIT, Nagpur, and AMA Commercial India Private Limited, under the Technology development project initiative of TEXMiN, this Technology is an ultra-safe and robust detonation technology for initiating any nonelectric detonation.

Furthering its outreach, TEXMiN issued Letter of comfort to leading institutions, including IIEST Shibpur, VNIT Nagpur, BIT Sindri, NIT Rourkela, and JUT,  for the establishment of CPS Centers of Excellence (CoEs). Additionally, JUT (Jharkhand University of Technology) has been added as an outreach center, expanding the network for knowledge exchange and technological development. In a major boost to innovation, Term Sheets were awarded to promising newly incubated startups, paving the way for emerging entrepreneurs in the mining sector.