WELCOME MESSAGE

National Symposium on Critical Mineral Exploration (2026)

It gives us great pleasure to welcome you to the 1st National Symposium on Critical Mineral Exploration (2026), organized by the Department of Applied Geology, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad. This symposium comes at a pivotal moment, as the global shift toward net-zero emissions and clean energy technologies accelerates the demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and tungsten. These resources form the backbone of renewable energy systems, electric mobility, advanced energy storage, and key strategic industries.

India’s diverse geological terrains—ranging from ancient cratons and mobile belts to sedimentary basins and vast deep-sea domains—present immense, yet largely underexplored, opportunities for critical mineral discovery. Unlocking this potential requires not only an in-depth understanding of mineral systems and ore-forming processes but also the integration of modern, conventional, and nuclear analytical techniques that can guide efficient and targeted exploration.

This symposium aims to bring together leading geoscientists, researchers, policymakers, and exploration professionals to discuss innovative strategies for systematic exploration of critical minerals in India. Through collaborative dialogue and knowledge exchange, we hope to chart pathways that support the nation’s clean-energy transition, strengthen resource security, and contribute to long-term sustainable development.

We extend a warm welcome to all participants and look forward to fruitful discussions, new partnerships, and meaningful outcomes.

Department of Applied Geology
Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad