Dec 6:
The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), India’s largest iron ore producer, has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to strengthen cybersecurity and advance digital technologies across its operations. The collaboration aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and modern tech-driven solutions into NMDC’s future roadmap.
The MoU was signed by Mr. Satyendra Rai, Executive Director (Digital Transformation) at NMDC, and Prof. Ashoke De, Dean of Research & Development at IIT Kanpur. The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, senior NMDC officials, and representatives from IIT Kanpur.
This partnership focuses on several key areas, including cybersecurity risk assessments, policy and governance improvements, compliance support, and strengthening incident response systems. By merging academic expertise with industry requirements, NMDC aims to develop strong digital defences and enhance operational intelligence.
A major component of the collaboration is the adoption of AI and ML technologies. These tools will help improve safety mechanisms, optimise mining operations, streamline supply chains, and support real-time decision-making. Both institutions will jointly run training programmes, pilot projects, and research initiatives to encourage innovation and upskilling.
CMD NMDC, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, highlighted the importance of this partnership, saying, “This collaboration brings IIT Kanpur’s advanced research capabilities into NMDC’s extensive operational ecosystem. It will help us strengthen our digital defences, improve operational intelligence, and build a secure and future-ready technological foundation for NMDC.”
This agreement marks a major step in NMDC’s digital transformation journey. By working closely with IIT Kanpur, the organisation aims to build a secure, tech-driven, and future-ready mining framework. The initiative also reinforces the importance of industry–academia partnerships in supporting innovation and technological self-reliance.
