NMDC inaugurates R&D centre in Hyderabad for sustainable steel innovation

By OEM Update Editorial June 19, 2024 6:13 pm IST

NMDC has opened a new Research and Development (R&D) Centre in Patancheru, Hyderabad, to drive innovation in mineral processing and sustainable steel technologies. The centre also features a pelletization study facility, providing valuable insights into mineral processing and pellet production.

NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer, has launched a new cutting-edge Research and Development (R&D) Centre in Patancheru, Hyderabad, to drive innovation in mineral processing and sustainable steel technologies. Over the last five years, Navratna has made significant investments of more than Rs. 150 crores in research and development, as well as Rs. 50 crores in the construction of the new R&D Centre.

Spanning across eight acres in Patancheru, this leading-edge facility was inaugurated by Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge), NMDC, accompanied by Dilip Kumar Mohanty, Director (Production), Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), B. Vishwanath, CVO, and senior officers from NMDC. 

Contributing to the field of mineral processing since 1970, NMDC R&D has been recognized as a Centre of Excellence by both UNIDO and DSIR for its knowledge and technology transfer to the domestic and global industry. The R&D Centre houses cutting-edge laboratories that foster innovation in sustainable mineral technology and ore beneficiation, manned by a team of experts. 

The newly inaugurated NMDC R&D Centre boasts an array of sophisticated instruments, including an automated mineral analyser and automated fusion bead-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser, ensuring precise and efficient characterization of various minerals. The Centre features a dedicated facility for pelletization studies, which will generate crucial data for the installation of commercial pellet plants. This will not only enhance NMDC’s in-house requirements and capabilities but will also benefit the sector by providing valuable insights into mineral processing and pellet production.

 Amitava Mukherjee, CMD, NMDC, said, “Embracing our responsibility to innovate and lead the Indian Mining Industry towards a sustainable future through research and development, we open the doors to NMDC’s new state-of-the-art R&D Center. As we stride forward to innovate and inspire, we are not just investing in research here, we are investing in India’s Future.” 

This facility is a decisive step towards driving the digital transformation of India’s largest iron ore producer and will further reinforce its commitment to Responsible Mining by building an ecosystem that is sustainable at its core.

One of the unique aspects of the new R&D Centre is the hydrogen reduction facility, integrated with a microwave-assisted heating furnace. This innovative setup will play a vital role in the development of green steel-making technologies, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices in the steel industry.

Equipped with latest technology and infrastructure, the Centre has an expertise in Mineralogical Characterization, Elemental Analysis, Bulk Materials Handling and Storage, Mineral Processing, Coal and Coke Characterization. The NMDC R&D Centre, a hub for innovation, will collaborate with academic institutions and industry experts to become the industry’s nerve center. It will support corporate and public sector players in maximizing mineral recovery and ensuring India’s mineral security.