Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: In a significant move toward promoting sustainability and technological innovation in India’s mining sector, Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) and the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, have extended their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) until November 2030.
The renewed partnership will focus on sustainable mining practices, digital transformation, and the joint development of a Center of Excellence (CoE) for mining and clean energy technologies.
Renewal Ceremony Highlights Long-Term Collaboration
The MoU renewal ceremony was held at IIT (BHU) on July 22, 2025, with the presence of key dignitaries including Shri B. Sairam, CMD of NCL, and Professor Amit Patra, Director of IIT (BHU). The original MoU, signed on November 24, 2018, has led to several joint research and technological initiatives between the two institutions.
The new agreement was signed by Shri Naveen Rai, General Manager (Mining)/TS to CMD on behalf of NCL, and Professor Rajesh Kumar, Dean (R&D), on behalf of IIT (BHU).
Driving Sustainability and Innovation in Mining
CMD Shri B. Sairam emphasized the importance of this long-standing collaboration in integrating cutting-edge digital technologies and environmentally responsible practices into the coal sector’s operational framework. He reiterated NCL’s commitment to future-ready and sustainable mining.
Professor Amit Patra echoed this vision, stating that the partnership represents a “joint responsibility to lead the change” in energy and mining technologies. He noted that the proposed Center of Excellence would serve as a hub for innovation, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
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Center of Excellence: A Vision for the Future
As a key outcome of the renewed MoU, the planned Center of Excellence for Mining and Clean Energy Technologies will focus on:
- Smart mining solutions
- Automation and AI in resource extraction
- Renewable energy integration in mining operations
- Environmental restoration and impact mitigation
This CoE is expected to create opportunities for high-impact research, industry-academia exchange, capacity building, and the creation of practical solutions that can be scaled across the Indian coal and energy sectors.
About NCL
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, is a major producer of coal in India. Headquartered in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, NCL operates several opencast mines and plays a vital role in ensuring coal supply to power plants across the country. Known for its large-scale mechanized mining operations, NCL is also at the forefront of adopting sustainable practices and digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to India’s energy security.
About IIT (BHU)
The Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, is one of India’s premier engineering institutions with a legacy dating back to 1919. As an institute of national importance, IIT (BHU) offers cutting-edge research and academic programs in science, engineering, and technology. It has a strong focus on innovation, industry collaboration, and societal impact, with several centers dedicated to advanced research in energy, materials, and digital technologies.
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