Collaboration on rare earth processing and lithium-ion battery recycling technologies

Deal Analysis

The TEXMiN Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, has partnered with Russia's GIREDMET State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry to collaborate on rare earth processing, critical minerals, advanced materials, and lithium-ion battery recycling technologies. This partnership aims to foster translational research across the mining value chain, with a specific focus on hydrometallurgical recycling technologies for lithium-ion batteries to recover valuable metals. The collaboration signifies a strategic move towards securing access to critical minerals and developing advanced recycling capabilities within India. While the financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed, the partnership is notable for bringing together an Indian academic institution with a Russian state research institute specializing in rare metals. This collaboration could accelerate the development and deployment of rare earth processing and battery recycling technologies in India. The deal's success will depend on the effective transfer of knowledge and technology between the partners and the successful commercialization of research outcomes.

Focus on rare earth processing and lithium-ion battery recycling.
Collaboration between Indian academic institution and Russian state research institute.
Aims to advance translational research across the mining value chain.
Strategic importance for securing critical mineral supply chains.

Market Context: The battery storage sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions. Securing access to critical minerals like lithium and rare earths, and developing efficient recycling technologies, are crucial for sustainable growth in this sector.

Source Intelligence

KEY DETAILS

The agreement establishes a joint R&D and technology translation framework spanning entire rare metal value chain—from exploration and mineral beneficiation to extraction, separation, refining, and advanced materials development. Focus areas include rare earth and critical mineral processing, high-purity metals and alloys, refractory metal powders, materials for electronics and optics, and rare earth magnets. The two institutions will undertake pilot-scale validation and technology translation of GIREDMET processes at TEXMiN under the Technology Translation Research Park (TTRP) framework. A key thrust area includes the development of technologies for producing high-coercivity permanent magnet blocks based on Nd-Fe-B, supported by a complete rare earth metallurgical cycle. The partnership will also focus on hydrometallurgical recycling technologies for lithium-ion batteries to recover valuable metals (Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt), alongside recovery solutions for critical minerals from legacy mine dumps, tailings, and low-grade or complex ores. Advanced digital integration through digital twin-enabled smart processing plants, combining process know-how with AI/ML and sensor systems, will further strengthen innovation outcomes. The MoU envisages upscaling technologies to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and enabling industry-facing demonstrations aligned with India’s National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) priorities and the Russian Federal Project for the Development of Rare Metal Industry. In addition, the collaboration includes expert exchange, joint doctoral and applied research supervision, specialised training programmes, and advisory and technical support to governments, PSUs, and industry stakeholders on critical mineral projects and policy inputs. GIREDMET brings decades of metallurgical expertise in rare earth extraction, separation, and alloy production, while TEXMiN contributes a translational research ecosystem designed to de-risk technologies and move them toward higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).

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Location

The TEXMiN Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, has signed an MoU with GIREDMET State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry, Russia, to collaborate on rare earth processing, critical minerals, advanced materials, and translational research across the mining value chain.

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Announcement

February 23, 2026

PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE

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TEXMiN Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad N/A

"The TEXMiN Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, has signed an MoU with GIREDMET State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry, Russia, to collaborate on rare earth processing, critical minerals, advanced materials, and translational research across the mining value chain."

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GIREDMET State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry N/A

"The TEXMiN Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, has signed an MoU with GIREDMET State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry, Russia, to collaborate on rare earth processing, critical minerals, advanced materials, and translational research across the mining value chain."

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Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corp N/A

"GIREDMET State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry, an arm of Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corp, to collaborate on rare earth and critical mineral technologies across the mining value chain."

high quality Enriched Feb 23, 2026