Mines Ministry issues guidelines for Centres of Excellence under National Critical Mineral Mission
The Ministry of Mines issued guidelines on 16 April 2025 for setting up Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for critical-mineral R&D under the National Critical Mineral Mission, to work on a hub-and-spoke model.
Summary
The Ministry of Mines issued guidelines on 16 April 2025 for setting up Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), in pursuance of the Mission's pillar of research and technology development. Reputed academic and R&D institutions will be evaluated and recognised as CoEs. They will develop extraction and beneficiation technologies for critical minerals and conduct directed R&D up to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7/8 pilot plants and pre-commercial demonstration. Each CoE will operate as a consortium on a hub-and-spoke model, with the hub institute bringing in at least two industry partners and at least two R&D or academic partners. The ministry said it would shortly call for proposals.
Key facts
- Issued
- 16 April 2025, Ministry of Mines
- Mission
- National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)
- Model
- Consortium, hub-and-spoke
- Partners
- At least 2 industry and 2 R&D/academic partners
- Target
- R&D up to TRL 7/8 pilot plant and pre-commercial demonstration
Practice MCQs 2 questions
On which model will Centres of Excellence under the National Critical Mineral Mission operate, as per guidelines issued in April 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Hub-and-spoke consortium
A consortium on a hub-and-spoke model, with at least two industry and two R&D/academic partners.
Up to which Technology Readiness Level (TRL) are NCMM Centres of Excellence expected to take directed R&D?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — TRL 7/8
TRL 7/8 pilot plant and pre-commercial demonstration.