ANS: The Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation (TEXMiN) at IIT-ISM has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MOIL, a prestigious state-owned Manganese ore mining company.
The collaboration aims to develop commercially viable solutions for the mineral exploration and mining sector by harnessing the power of cyber-physical systems.
The MoU signing ceremony took place on December 17 in Goa, with Professor JK Pattanayak, Director of IIT-ISM, leading the IIT-ISM delegation and AK Saxena, Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) of MOIL, heading the MOIL team.
The MoU was officially signed on behalf of TEXMiN, IIT-ISM by Professor Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT-ISM & Project Director of TEXMiN, and on behalf of MOIL by MM Abdulla, Director (Production & Planning).
The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a promising partnership, as Professor Dheeraj emphasized. He believes that the timing is opportune, and this collaboration will harness the momentum in mineral exploration, referred to as “Exploration 4.0.”
He expressed his optimism about the renewed partnership and long-term collaboration between the institutions, building on past cooperation and tangible outcomes.
Suraj Prakash, CEO of TEXMiN, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it comes at a crucial moment when India’s mineral exploration prospects are gaining significant attention.
He noted that the agreement with MOIL is a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to develop AI/ML/Deep Learning-based Non-destructive Technologies for Mineral Exploration.
Prakash emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation and enhance dialogue at this pivotal juncture.