NIT Rourkela, Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd. Ink MoU to Drive Advanced Technology and Skill Development in Mining

On 12 February 2026, the National Institute of Technology Rourkela signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd. (OMC), a Government of Odisha undertaking, to collaborate on structured capacity building, technical upskilling, and managerial development of OMC professionals. 

The MoU supports joint research, innovation, digitisation and operational optimisation initiatives. Coinciding with the MoU signing, a three-day Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programme (12–14 February 2026) on “Mineral Resource Management: Technical, Regulatory and Strategic Insights” was commenced at NIT Rourkela. 

Organised jointly by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and the Department of Mining Engineering, the CPD programme for OMC professionals was designed for intensive training that integrates technical, regulatory and strategic dimensions of mineral resource management. Prof.SkMdEqueenuddin (Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences) and Prof. H. B. Sahu, Dean (Alumni, industry, and International Relations at NITR), are the coordinators of the course.

The MoU was signed on behalf of NIT Rourkela by Director Prof. K. UmamaheshwarRao, and on behalf of OMC by Mr. Alok Kumar Pal, Director (HR). Prof.HimanshuBhushanSahu, Dean (Alumni, Industry and International Relations at NITR), coordinated the collaboration.

Detailing on the MoU, Prof. H. B. Sahu stated, “This partnership aims to strengthen the technical expertise and managerial skills of OMC professionals to meet the evolving demands of the mining sector. It also focuses on collaborative research and innovation, knowledge sharing of advanced mining technologies, sustainable and safe practices, environmental management, regulatory compliance, and the effective use of emerging digital tools to enhance overall performance.”

Addressing the gathering of Officials and Administrators of NITR and OMC, Mr Alok Kumar Pal, Director (HR), stated, “OMC plays a vital role in extracting key minerals such as iron ore, bauxite, chrome and ferrochrome, which support India’s core mineral-based industries. We are steadily transitioning from traditional mining practices to more mechanised and technology-driven operations to achieve our sustainable mining goals. 

Through this knowledge partnership with NIT Rourkela, we aim to build a high-performing and future-ready workforce, while jointly contributing to the industrial and economic development of Odisha.”

Signing the MoU, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao said, “It is difficult to name a mineral element from the periodic table that is not found in Odisha. Our region is blessed with iron ore, bauxite, coal, manganese, chromite, graphite, dolomite, rare earths and several other valuable minerals. Even Western Odisha, despite being resource-rich and contributing significantly to metal production, the region has not developed at the same pace. 

Countries advance on the strength of minerals and metals. When we possess such abundance, it is our responsibility to channelise these resources wisely for regional growth and ensure sustainable and value-added utilisation, including the effective use of waste ore."

Under this MoU, NIT Rourkela will support OMC professionals through its specialised departments, like the mining engineering and earth and atmospheric science. The collaboration will integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, geostatistics, mine automation and digital solutions for optimisation of mining operations. 

The MoU provides for leadership development programmes, workshops on strategic thinking, project management, financial and operational efficiency, and customised Management Development Programmes (MDPs). It envisages joint certification courses, short-term training modules, faculty-led sessions, field-based learning and laboratory interactions to create a continuous learning ecosystem.