Centre recognises IIT-H, NFTDC as Centres of Excellence

The Centre has allotted two Centres of Excellence (CoEs) out of the seven announced for critical minerals research across the country to Telangana, thanks to the efforts of Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy.

In January this year, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘National Critical Mineral Mission’ with a budget of ₹16,300 crore, in addition to ₹18,000 crore to be mobilised from various PSUs. The mission aims to address the growing needs of sectors that rely on critical minerals. As part of the mission, the Ministry of Mines has recognised four IITs including IIT-H, and three Research & Development (R&D) centres including the Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC) in Hyderabad, as CoEs. They will  function under the Ministry of Mines. These institutions will lead the research and technological development necessary to achieve the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission.

The seven Centres of Excellence will receive funding under government research schemes. Additionally, ₹500 crore will be allocated for R&D and another ₹500 crore for international R&D support from global collaborations.