THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

In a significant move to strengthen industry–academia collaboration in the field of mining and earth sciences, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat Mineral Research Industrial Consultancy Society (GMRICS), a research society established by the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC).

The five-year agreement aims to foster long-term academic and research collaboration in geology, mining, mineral exploration, and allied earth sciences, paving the way for enhanced knowledge exchange, capacity building, and skill development in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The MoU was formally signed on Wednesday, by Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean (Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy), IIT Bhubaneswar, and Dr. D. K. Sinha, CEO of GMRICS/GMDC. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials and faculty members from both institutions, including Dr. R. K. Singh and Dr. Bankim Chandra Mahanta from the School of Earth, Ocean and Climate Sciences, and Dr. Srikant Gollapudi, Professor-in-Charge (Career Development Cell), IIT Bhubaneswar. Representing GMDC were Lt. Gen. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma (Retd.), Head (Project Planning & Administration)–Odisha; Shri Janardan N. Dave, General Manager (Power); Shri Rajeev Parekh, Deputy General Manager (HR); and members of GMRICS.

Under the agreement, the two institutions will establish a strategic partnership focusing on collaborative research projects, academic exchanges, industrial training, and field-based learning. GMRICS, known for its advanced research in geology and mining — including mineral reserve assessment, identification of mineral-rich zones, market research, and database development — will offer IIT Bhubaneswar students valuable exposure to real-world exploration and mining operations.

Students will have opportunities to undertake internships, industrial training, and hands-on research aligned with ongoing industry projects. The collaboration will also enable students to pursue research leading to B.Sc., M.Sc., M.Tech., and Ph.D. degrees on topics relevant to mineral exploration and mining activities, thereby strengthening the talent pipeline for India’s mining sector.

A key highlight of the partnership is the involvement of experts from GMRICS/GMDC and its associated centres such as the International Centre of Excellence in Mining Safety and Automation (iCEM) and the International Centre for Entrepreneurship & Technology (iCREATE). These experts will conduct specialised lectures, training programmes, workshops, and practical demonstrations for students and faculty members, promoting innovation and safety-driven practices in mining operations.

IIT Bhubaneswar, an Institute of National Importance, will contribute its academic and research strengths in geology, mining and mineral engineering, critical minerals, analytical chemistry, and geophysical surveys. The collaboration will particularly focus on joint research initiatives in critical mineral exploration, including deposits of strategic importance in Gujarat and Odisha such as Ambadongar (rare earth elements) and Ambaji (copper–lead–zinc).

The partnership is expected to advance applied research in critical and strategic minerals, which are essential for emerging technologies and India’s transition to clean energy. By combining IIT Bhubaneswar’s scientific expertise with GMRICS–GMDC’s industrial experience and field knowledge, the collaboration seeks to promote sustainable mineral development and strengthen India’s self-reliance in the mining sector.

Officials from both sides expressed confidence that the MoU would open new avenues for innovation, technology development, and human resource capacity building. The agreement marks a decisive step towards integrating academic research with industry requirements, ensuring that students gain practical exposure while contributing to real-time challenges in mineral exploration and mining.

With this strategic alliance, IIT Bhubaneswar and GMRICS–GMDC aim to create a robust platform for collaborative research, knowledge sharing, and skill enhancement, reinforcing India’s position in the global mining and earth sciences landscape.