India and Canada are increasingly becoming strategic partners in the critical minerals sector due to the rising global demand for minerals crucial to clean energy technologies, electric mobility, advanced manufacturing, and strategic industries. The High Commissioner of Canada to India, Chris Cooter, visited the CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) to explore opportunities for scientific and technological collaboration in critical minerals, sustainable resource processing, and advanced metallurgical technologies. During the visit, the Canadian delegation engaged with Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, and other senior scientists and researchers.
Dr. Narayan emphasized the institute’s growing international engagement efforts, including a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) signed with the University of Saskatchewan for collaborative research and academic exchange. Dr. Kali Sanjay, Head of the Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals at CSIR-IMMT, presented the institute’s ongoing research, technology development, and human resource capacity-building activities related to critical minerals, as per the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Canadian delegation also toured various advanced research facilities at CSIR-IMMT, such as the Platinum Group Elements (PGE) pilot plant, recycling pilot plant, seabed minerals pilot plant, and molten salt electrolysis pilot facility.
The interaction highlighted the significance of deeper scientific and technological cooperation between India and Canada to address future challenges in critical minerals through innovation, sustainability, and knowledge sharing. Discussions during the meeting included opportunities for joint research programs, capacity building, technical training, and technology transfer. Canada, with its substantial reserves of critical minerals and advanced mining expertise, complements India’s expanding capabilities in mineral processing, downstream technologies, and manufacturing.
The enhanced collaboration between India and Canada is poised to bolster resilient and diversified critical mineral supply chains, foster technological innovation, strengthen research partnerships, and make substantial contributions to the global energy transition.
