The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, has officially recognized several prestigious institutions as Centres of Excellence under the National Critical Mineral Mission. This initiative is aimed at advancing research and development (R&D) across the critical mineral value chain—an essential step for ensuring India's strategic mineral security and self-reliance in key sectors like renewable energy, defense, and electronics.

This approval was received from the Project Review and Advisory Committee (PACK) held in July 2025. It was met in the meeting, which was co-chaired by Shri B.L. Kantha Rao (Ministry of Mines), Professor Abhay Karandikar (Ministry of Science and Technology) Kurukshetra.

The recognized institutions include IIT Bombay, IIT Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, IIT Roorkee, CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar, CSIR-NML Jamshedpur, and NFTDC Hyderabad. These organizations will work collaboratively to develop cutting-edge technologies and solutions for the sustainable exploration, processing, and utilization of critical minerals.

Their contribution is pivotal in enhancing India's capacity for mineral-based innovation and technological advancement.

This recognition is a significant milestone under the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), and it highlights the importance of indigenous R&D capabilities in shaping the future of the nation’s mineral and materials sector.