About Symposium

National Symposium on Critical Mineral Exploration

Welcome to the 1st National Symposium on Critical Mineral Exploration (2026), organized by the Department of Applied Geology, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad.

The global transition toward net-zero emissions and clean energy technologies has increased the demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and tungsten. These minerals are essential for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, energy storage, and strategic industries. India’s diverse geological terrains—from cratons and mobile belts to sedimentary basins—along with its deep-sea domains, offer significant yet underexplored potential.

Efficient exploration requires understanding the geological framework, mineral system models, and ore-forming processes, supported by modern, conventional, and nuclear analytical techniques. Integration of these approaches is crucial to identify and prioritize both terrestrial and offshore targets.

The National Symposium on Critical Mineral Exploration, organized by the Department of Applied Geology, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, will bring together geoscientists and exploration professionals to discuss strategies for systematic exploration of India’s critical minerals, supporting net-zero emission and sustainable development goals.