Dr Jitendra lays foundation of ‘Marine Biomanufacturing’ facility in Bhubaneswar

Excelsior Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR, July 17 :Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh today laid the foundation stone for joint Marine Biomanufacturing facility set up in collaboration with DBT-ILS, linking biotechnology with the institute’s marine mineral research.
The Minister also inaugurated a string of facilities during his visit here, including the PMN Phase II, a vertical shaft pilot plant, and a Sustainable Recycling Centre. He also laid the foundation stone for joint marine biomanufacturing facilities set up in collaboration with DBT-ILS, linking biotechnology with the institute’s marine mineral research. These initiatives, he said, reflect the Modi Government’s integrated science approach-“whole of science and whole of nation.”
Dr Jitendra Singh underlined the pivotal role of India’s mining and mineral sector in achieving the vision of a self-reliant and technologically advanced nation, while inaugurating key research and pilot-scale facilities at CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) in Bhubaneswar.
Addressing scientists, technologists and scholars at the premier institute, the Minister lauded CSIR-IMMT’s contributions to resource beneficiation, indigenous technology development, and sustainable mining. He emphasized that such scientific endeavours are essential to the realisation of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
“Self-reliance is not possible without a strong mining and mineral sector, as these are important pillars of our economy,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said, quoting the Prime Minister. “This institute is uniquely placed, both geographically and in terms of expertise, to drive innovation in critical minerals and sustainable material development.”
CSIR-IMMT, established in 1964, has developed knowledge bases on 41 elements from the periodic table and pioneered technologies for the beneficiation and extraction of various metals, including iron ore, ferrochrome, copper, cobalt, and nickel. The Minister took note of the institute’s work on utilizing industrial waste-such as red mud, fly ash, and phospho-gypsum-and developing indigenous equipment like flotation columns and screw scrubbers now in the industrial sector.
A key highlight was the upcoming critical mineral pilot plant for platinum group metals, being developed in partnership with the Odisha Mining Corporation. Dr. Jitendra Singh described it as a significant milestone under the National Critical Minerals Mission announced in this year’s Union Budget.

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