Bhubaneswar: In a groundbreaking move to secure sustainable supplies of critical minerals, the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar, has teamed up with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). This collaborative project seeks to revolutionize the recovery of titanium and vanadium, minerals vital for modern industries.
Funded by CSIRO’s India-Australia Critical Minerals Research Partnership, this initiative aligns with Australia’s updated Industry, Energy, and Science (IES) strategy, aiming for critical mineral security by 2035. The partnership targets the development of advanced technologies to extract titanium dioxide and vanadium from ilmenite and vanadiferous magnetite ores found in India and Australia.
IMMT Director Ramanuj Narayan highlighted the importance of such international collaborations. He emphasized that the project resonates with India’s National Critical Mineral Mission, which envisions sustainable sourcing through innovative beneficiation and recycling techniques.
Titanium, known for its strength in metal alloys, and vanadium, essential in energy-efficient redox flow batteries, are classified as critical minerals in both nations. Their processing will unlock India’s vast titanium reserves—the world’s third largest—and complement Australia’s ongoing efforts in similar research.
An expert team will spearhead the project: CSIRO’s Principal Research Scientist Goutam Kumar Das and IMMT’s Chief Scientist Kali Sanjay will lead the initiative, while CSIRO’s Joanne Loh and IMMT’s leadership will ensure seamless coordination.
This Indo-Australian partnership could pave the way for technological advancements in critical mineral extraction, potentially setting a precedent for future global collaborations in mineral research.
