In a strategic move to bolster India’s self-reliance in critical mineral resources, the government has designated seven premier institutes — including four Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) — as Centres of Excellence under the National Critical Mineral Mission.
Boosting India’s Strategic Mineral Capabilities
The announcement, follows the recent clearance from the Project Approval and Advisory Committee. These Centres of Excellence will drive cutting-edge research and innovation aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in the science, technology, and sustainable utilization of critical minerals.
Critical raw materials are essential to powering the country’s future. They serve as foundational inputs for clean energy technologies, e-mobility, and key strategic sectors such as electronics, defense, and space.
IITs Lead the Charge in a Hub-and-Spoke Model
The newly designated institutes include:
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Hyderabad
- IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
- IIT Roorkee
These institutions will collaborate using a hub-and-spoke model, enabling them to pool resources, share expertise, and accelerate breakthroughs across the value chain of critical minerals — from exploration and processing to application in high-tech industries.
Paving the Way for a Resilient, Tech-Driven Future
As reported by devdiscourse.com, by recognizing these institutions as Centres of Excellence, the government is laying a strong foundation for research-led growth in the mineral sector. The initiative aligns with national goals of energy security, technological sovereignty, and a sustainable transition to green and digital economies.
