Delegation from the University of Saskatchewan Visits CSIR-IMMT to Advance Collaboration on Critical Minerals Research
Bhubaneswar, 22 March 2025: A high-level delegation from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, visited the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) today to explore collaborative opportunities in critical minerals research. The delegation was led by Dr. Michael Patrick Bradley, Dean of the College of Engineering, and included Dr. Ajay Kumar Dalai, Professor, College of Engineering; Dr. Venkatesh Meda, Professor, College of Engineering; and Mr. Derek David Tiessen, International Partnerships Specialist, International Office. They were accompanied by Mr. Harish Vaidyanathan, representing the Government of Saskatchewan.
The University of Saskatchewanis in the Canadian province ofSaskatchewan, which consistently ranks 1st in Canada, and 3rd globally, for mininginvestment attractiveness. Saskatchewan Province is home to 27 of the 34 critical minerals, as well asthe world’s largest deposits of potash and high-grade uranium. The province is home to Canada’s first Rare Earth Processing Facility, which aims to strengthen the domestic supply chain for green technologies.The University ofSaskatchewan has identified nine signature areas of research, one of which is “Energy andMineral Resources for a Sustainable Future.”
During their visit, the delegation toured CSIR-IMMT’s critical minerals technology development facilities and participated in a tree plantation drive at the institute. Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT, led in-depth discussions with the delegation, outlining potential areas of collaboration through the proposed MoU.The visit was coordinated by Dr. Kali Sanjay, Chief Scientist and Head of the Hydro, Bio, and Electrometallurgy Department and Dr. P.C. Beuria, Head, Mineral Processing Department at CSIR-IMMT.
The partnership between CSIR-IMMT and the University of Saskatchewan is expected to drive innovation in critical mineral extraction and processing, fostering knowledge exchange, human resource advancement, joint research projects and academic programming, and technologydevelopments that contribute to global efforts in securing a sustainable supply of critical minerals.
