Ahmedabad, November 7, 2023: Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd, one of the leading mining Public Sector enterprises in India is proud to announce a significant milestone in the field of mining and mineral development with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between its subsidiary, the International Centre of Innovation in Mining (iCEM), and Australia’s prestigious Monash University.
The primary objective of this MoU is to facilitate collaboration between iCEM and Monash University, aimed at injecting a fresh impetus of research and innovation into GMDC and the broader Mining and Mineral Development Sector in India. This collaboration seeks to address critical challenges, including reducing mining’s environmental footprint and enhancing its efficiency, with a strong focus on critical minerals. Moreover, it aims to foster the development of skills required to achieve these objectives.
GMDC’s strategic focus on renewable energy, metals, and other minerals combined with its ambitious growth plans, makes it a natural partner for Monash University, which excels in research and innovation, particularly in areas related to climate change, geopolitical security, and critical minerals. iCEM, with its vision of becoming India’s premier institute for sustainable mining, aspires to drive growth in the mining sector, making it more efficient, safer, and environmentally sustainable. The collaboration is in line with the global shift towards critical minerals, sustainable mining practices, net-zero goals, and digitalization, underscoring iCEM’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaborative excellence.
Monash University, a renowned institution with a 60-year legacy, boasts world-class expertise in mining, and critical minerals and a strong focus on addressing climate change and geopolitical security issues. It has an extensive network of campuses spanning the Indo-Pacific region and Europe, with global partnerships, including prestigious institutions in the UK and the US.
The signing ceremony, held Yesterday, witnessed the exchange of the signed MoU documents by Professor Susan Elliott, Vice Chancellor of Monash University, and Mr Anupam Jalote, CEO of iCEM. The occasion was graced by the presence of Mr Santosh Agrawal, COO of iCEM, Professor Gurdeep Singh, Director of Training at iCEM, and Mr Deepak Vyas, General Manager at GMDC.
Shri Roopwant Singh IAS, Chairman of iCEM and Managing Director of GMDC, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, saying, “GMDC is delighted to collaborate with Monash University, one of Australia’s finest institutions. This partnership represents a significant step towards a future of sustainable mining driven by research and innovation. We believe that Professor Susan Elliott’s visit to Gujarat to commemorate this MoU will bring tangible benefits to both organizations and the broader mining community through this transformative relationship.”
The collaboration between GMDC’s iCEM and Monash University promises to usher in a new era of innovation, sustainability, and progress in the mining sector, not only in India but across the globe. The shared vision of driving positive change and achieving sustainable mining practices underscores the significance of this partnership for the future of the industry.
About Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited
(https://www.gmdcltd.com/en;BSE:532181;NSE:GMDCLTD)
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited is one of the leading mining players in India. It is a State Public Undertaking of the Government of Gujarat. The state-owned company currently has five operational lignite mines located in Kutch, South Gujarat, and Bhavnagar region. It is purportedly the largest merchant seller of lignite in the country.