CMDC partners with JNARDDC to promote scientific exploration, value addition and advanced technologies in line with PM Modi’s Critical Mineral Mission and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision
TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 18,2026: Chhattisgarh has taken a major step towards strengthening India’s critical minerals ecosystem with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Limited (CMDC) and the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research, Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), Nagpur. The partnership aims to accelerate scientific research, sustainable mining and value addition of mineral resources, reinforcing the state’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Critical Mineral Mission and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The agreement, signed under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, seeks to promote research-driven mineral development through modern technology, planned resource utilisation and institutional collaboration. State officials said the partnership would help unlock the full potential of Chhattisgarh’s rich mineral reserves while ensuring environmentally sustainable and value-added mining practices.
The MoU was executed under the guidance of CMDC Chairman Saurabh Singh, Mineral Resources Department Secretary P. Dayanand, and CMDC Managing Director Rajat Bansal. Officials said the collaboration would provide a new direction for the exploration and development of critical minerals, strengthen scientific resource management and contribute to the state’s industrial and economic growth.
Speaking at the MoU exchange ceremony, Pankaj Kulshreshtha, Controller General of the Indian Bureau of Mines and Director of JNARDDC, stressed the importance of research-based mineral development, innovation and institutional partnerships. He said the collaboration would have far-reaching benefits for both Chhattisgarh and the country’s mining sector.
Dr. B.L. Gurjar, Controller of Mines at the Indian Bureau of Mines, praised the close coordination between CMDC and the state’s Mineral Resources Department, saying the partnership had infused fresh momentum into Chhattisgarh’s mining sector.
During the programme, CMDC General Manager U.K. Qureshi presented the corporation’s 25-year journey, highlighting its achievements, ongoing mining projects, future plans and initiatives undertaken as a service provider. He also outlined the vast mineral potential of Chhattisgarh and the corporation’s efforts towards scientific and inclusive mineral development.
Regional Controller of Mines Prem Prakash lauded CMDC’s tin and corundum mining projects, noting that they have generated employment opportunities for local communities while improving transparency and statutory compliance in mining operations.
Highlighting the importance of critical mineral research, Dr. Upendra Singh, Senior Principal Scientist and Head of Department at JNARDDC, said the institute is conducting advanced research on extracting gallium and vanadium from red mud and scandium from bauxite by-products. He said these technologies would play a crucial role in making India self-reliant in the strategic critical minerals sector.
The formal exchange of the MoU took place between Pankaj Kulshreshtha and Sanjay Kankane, Chief General Manager of CMDC, in the presence of senior officials and representatives from both organisations.
Delivering the welcome address, Sanjay Kankane described the agreement as a milestone in promoting research, innovation and sustainable mineral development. He expressed confidence that the partnership would elevate Chhattisgarh’s mineral sector to new heights through scientific exploration and technological advancement.
Officials said the collaboration marks another significant achievement in the state’s mining sector under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s leadership. By combining scientific research, modern technologies and value addition, the initiative is expected to strengthen Chhattisgarh’s position in the critical minerals sector while driving industrial growth, generating employment and contributing to India’s vision of becoming a self-reliant global leader in strategic mineral resources.
