Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences Visits CSIR-IMMT

Bhubaneswar (Odiha Tazanews) :- The CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar, hosted the CSIR-IMMT Institute Lecture of Eminence on “Critical Minerals from the Deep Seabed,” highlighting the strategic role of Earth and Ocean Sciences in India’s development and resource security. The programme was graced by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Vijay Kumar, Scientist-G, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, as the Guest of Honour.

The event was presided over by Dr. R. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT, and was coordinated by Dr. Kali Sanjay, Chief Scientist and Head, Business Development. As part of the programme, Dr. M. Ravichandran delivered the Institute Lecture of Eminence on “Role of Earth Sciences in India’s Growth, Prosperity and Security,” emphasising the contributions of Earth system sciences to national priorities, sustainable development, and strategic decision-making.

Dr. Vijay Kumar delivered an invited talk on “India’s Seabed Exploration Activities in the Indian Ocean,” outlining India’s progress, capabilities, and future roadmap in deep-sea exploration, particularly in the context of critical mineral resources. During the event, the Chief Guest also inaugurated the Executive Hostel, strengthening on-campus residential and outreach facilities, and opened the infrastructure for the

Technology Demonstration Plant for Recovery of Four Metals from Deep-Sea Polymetallic Nodules (Phase II), marking a significant milestone in India’s deep-sea mineral processing research and development programme. The programme aligned with the ongoing activities under the CSIR-IMMT Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Critical Minerals, which is engaged in research and technology development across the critical minerals value chain.

In addition, a tree plantation drive was organised on the CSIR-IMMT campus, underscoring the institute’s commitment to environmental sustainability and green practices. The programme offered perspectives on current developments and future directions in Earth Sciences, Ocean Sciences, and allied fields and was attended by scientists, researchers, and research scholars.