Dhanbad: In a bid to foster innovation and skill development in the mining sector, the Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining (TEXMiN) Foundation of the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad (IIT (ISM) Dhanbad) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Centre of Excellence in Mining Safety and Automation (iCEM), the innovation arm of Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) on Saturday.
The primary objective of this strategic partnership is to establish a comprehensive collaboration framework between TEXMiN and iCEM, with a particular focus on evaluating and advancing cutting-edge technologies such as Mining 4.0, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digitalization to enhance mining operations. Additionally, the development of essential skills required by the miners of the future is a central area of concentration.
GMDC, with its strategic emphasis on sustainable mining and ambitious growth plans, complements TEXMiN’s mission of developing and deploying IT and digitalization-based Cyber solutions to enhance human capabilities.
This synergy aligns perfectly with the imperative to harness technologies, prepare a skilled workforce, and cultivate talent within GMDC, its partner ecosystem, and the broader mining community.
TEXMiN, established as a Section-8 company under the aegis of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and situated at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, aims to create commercially viable solutions in the mineral exploration and mining domains using cyber-physical systems.
iCEM, promoted by GMDC as a society and not-for-profit trust, envisions becoming India’s foremost institute for promoting sustainable mining. iCEM strives to catalyse growth within the mining sector, making it more efficient, secure, and sustainable. Recognising the global shift towards critical minerals, sustainable mining practises, net-zero goals, and digitalization, iCEM operates at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
The official signing ceremony, which took place today, featured the exchange of MoU documents between Professor Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Director of TEXMiN, and Anupam Jalote, CEO of iCEM. The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Lavanya Kulshrestha, Chief General Manager, and the leadership teams of GMDC and iCEM.
Professor Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Director of TEXMiN, emphasised, “The mining industry plays a critical role in empowering mining communities with the skills required to actively participate in the digital economy of the future. Collaborations between academia and industry, such as the one between iCEM, GMDC, and TEXMiN, will aid Indian Mining and Metal Companies in their ongoing reskilling and upskilling endeavours related to digital transformation and workforce development, ultimately advancing the cause of Safe, Smart, and Sustainable mining through operational and process optimisation.”
Roopwant Singh IAS, Chairman of iCEM and Managing Director of GMDC, expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking collaboration, stating, “GMDC is thrilled about iCEM’s partnership with IIT (ISM) – TEXMiN. This collaboration is monumental, bringing together the power of technology, academia, and domain expertise to help us realize our ambitious growth plans. We believe that this partnership will yield tangible benefits for both organisations and the broader mining community.”
With this collaboration, TEXMiN-IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and iCEM-GMDC are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the mining industry in India by driving innovation, sustainability, and skills development.