Hyderabad, September 2, Telangana: The Telangana Government has announced a major initiative to strengthen research and innovation in the critical minerals sector through a strategic collaboration involving Monash University (Australia), IIT Hyderabad, and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka held discussions with the Dean of Monash University and senior officials at Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Praja Bhavan to advance long-term cooperation in critical minerals, mineral exploration, and advanced mineral technologies.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister said the demand for critical minerals is increasing rapidly due to India’s growing renewable energy and clean energy transition. He stressed that Telangana should evolve from being merely a consumer of critical minerals to becoming a significant contributor across the entire value chain.

Bhatti Vikramarka emphasised that the partnership should extend beyond academic research and focus on developing commercially viable technologies. He directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan to operationalise the collaboration at the earliest.

The State Government, he said, would provide full support to establish Telangana as a leading hub for critical minerals research and innovation. He also called for strengthening the Centre of Excellence at IIT Hyderabad to promote advanced research and technology development.

The proposed collaboration will focus on:

Mineral exploration

Mineral extraction

Processing and refining technologies

Recovery of critical minerals from industrial waste

The initiative aims to address the growing demand for raw materials required in sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), battery storage systems, and electronics manufacturing.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister’s Special Secretary Krishna Bhaskar, Professor Yannis Ventikos, Dean of Monash University, Australia–India Critical Minerals Research Hub founders Professor Mohan Yellishetty and Professor Raman Singh, along with senior officials from Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).