The accelerating global transition towards clean energy, digitalization, and advanced manufacturing has intensified the demand for critical metals - lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, nickel, and more. These elements power the future: from EVs and wind turbines to aerospace and electronics. India, recognizing the strategic importance of these resources, has launched the National Critical Minerals Mission to enhance domestic exploration, forge global partnerships, and build sustainable, resilient supply chains. Global efforts toward resource security, responsible mining, and innovation in recycling underscore the urgency for collaborative platforms that address the full lifecycle of critical metals.
As part of the 100 years celebrations of the IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, the Department of Fuel, Minerals and Metallurgical Engineering has envisioned a National Conference on Critical Metals: Recycling, Innovation, Separation and Processing (CRISP 2025) as a landmark event that brings together leading researchers, scientist, academician, industry professionals, policymakers, and sustainability experts. The conference will explore cutting-edge advancements in extraction, recycling, separation, and lifecycle management of critical metals. Special emphasis will be placed on emerging technologies and sustainable practices that align with national priorities and global sustainability goals. Click here to know the conference themes.
Expected Participants
Expert Speakers
Days of Innovation
The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, established in 1926, is a premier institution renowned for excellence in mining, minerals, and energy research. Strategically located in India's resource-rich region, IIT(ISM) has evolved into a multidisciplinary centre of innovation spanning engineering, sciences, management, and humanities. With a strong emphasis on sustainable mining, mineral processing, energy transition technologies, and advanced materials, the institute plays a pivotal role in addressing national and global challenges in critical metals and resources management. Ranked 20th globally and 1st nationally in Mineral and Mining Engineering (QS World Rankings 2025), and 15th in Engineering (NIRF 2024), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad stands at the forefront of research, technology development, and industry collaboration. Its dynamic academic and industrial ecosystem makes it an ideal venue for hosting CRISP-2025, a conference dedicated to advancing innovation, sustainability, and resilience in the critical metals sector.
Established in 1976, the Department of Fuel Minerals and Metallurgical Engineering (FMME) at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad has been a leader in addressing challenges across mineral processing, fuel technology, and resource management. In response to emerging research and industry trends, the department expanded its academic and research horizons by incorporating Metallurgical Engineering in 2019. Today, it offers a comprehensive B.Tech program in Mineral and Metallurgical Engineering, along with M.Tech specializations in Fuel Engineering, Mineral Engineering, and Metallurgical Engineering, and a vibrant Ph.D. program. Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced research infrastructure, the department conducts cutting-edge research in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, process modelling, critical metal extraction, sustainable metallurgy, materials processing, additive manufacturing, fuel pyrolysis and combustion. Strong collaborations with premier R&D organizations and industries enhance its industry interface and research relevance. With 22 dedicated faculty members and a focus on interdisciplinary innovation, the department plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable resource utilization and critical metal technologies, aligning with national priorities and global industrial needs.
Identification, exploration and characterization of critical minerals
Innovation in Critical Metals Extraction from primary & secondary Resources
Advanced hydrometallurgical techniques for Separation and Purification
Sustainable Practices in Critical Metals Recycling
Value addition and alloy development
Role of AI and Automation in Critical Metals exploration and extraction
Environmental Impact and Lifecycle Analysis
Policy and Regulatory Framework for Sustainable Critical Metals
Future Trends and Opportunities in Critical Metals
Ex-Chairman and Managing Director, IREL(India) Limited
Deputy Advisor, NITI Aayog
Director, Materials Group BARC
Director Technical IREL(India) Limited
Head, Materials Processing & Corrosion Engineering Division BARC
Professor, Department of Metallurgical Engg., IIT(BHU)
Head, Mineral Processing Division, BARC
Former Head, Mineral Division, BARC Hyderabad
Senior Prinicpal Scientist CSIR-NML, Jamshedpur
Head, Electroplating & Electrometallurgy Division CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi
CRISP-2025 invites abstracts from scientists, faculty, researchers, students and industry professionals for oral/poster presentation. The submission of abstract should align with the conference themes, listed above. Last date of abstract submission is 15th August 2025. The acceptance of abstract for oral or poster presentation will be notified later.
crisp2025@iitism.ac.in
The abstract template and the submission guidelines are available here: Abstract Template
Efforts shall be made to accommodate the participants inside the campus. Allocation of hostels (for student participants) and institute guest houses (for other participants) shall be done on a first-come, first-served basis upon request and involves payment. Please write to crisp2025@iitism.ac.in after registration for accommodation arrangements. Alternatively, there are many hotels with accommodation in Dhanbad, which participants can book.
Join us as a sponsor and connect with leading professionals in critical metals technology. Various sponsorship packages available.
Patron
Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad
Co-Patron
Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad
Chairperson
HOD, FMME Department
Advisor
FMME Department
Convenor
FMME Department
Co-Convenor
FMME Department
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India
Dr. Aarti Kumari: +91 9304603155
Dr. Vishnu Teja: +91 8754510216
crisp2025@iitism.ac.in
IIT(ISM) Dhanbad is just 2.8 km from Dhanbad Railway Station, one of the busiest stations in the region with direct trains to major cities across India. Taxis, Ola cabs, autorickshaws, and e-rickshaws are easily available from the station to the campus.
Dhanbad is well connected by National Highways 18 and 19, linking it to cities like Ranchi, Kolkata, Jamshedpur, and Bokaro. Regular bus services operate on these routes for convenient travel.
Nearby airports include:
From these airports, taxis and buses are available to reach Dhanbad.
Deoghar is a prominent pilgrimage destination in Jharkhand, India. At its heart lies the revered Baba Baidyanath Dham temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting devotees from across the nation. Beyond its spiritual significance, Deoghar offers a blend of natural beauty. The Trikut Pahar, with its trio of peaks and the Tapovan caves offer a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The Naulakha Temple stands as a testament to intricate craftsmanship and is dedicated to Radha and Krishna.
Maithon Lake, located approximately 48 km from Dhanbad in Jharkhand, is a serene reservoir formed by the Maithon Dam on the Barakar River. Visitors can engage in activities such as boating and fishing, or simply relax amidst the lush green surroundings. Nearby attractions include the Kalyaneshwari Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Kalyaneshwari, and a deer park that houses over 50 deer, providing additional points of interest for tourists. The drive typically takes around an hour, with well-maintained routes via NH19 and SH5.
Parasnath Hills, located in Jharkhand's Giridih district, stands as the state's highest peak at 1,350 meters. This revered site is a significant pilgrimage destination for Jains, known as Shikharji, where twenty of the twenty-four Tirthankaras are believed to have attained salvation. The hills are adorned with numerous ancient Jain temples, making it a spiritual haven for devotees. Traveling from Dhanbad to Parasnath Hills by taxi covers approximately 50 km and typically takes around 45 minutes via NH19.
Bodh Gaya, located in Bihar, India, is a significant pilgrimage site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree, becoming the Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses the revered Bodhi Tree and several ancient structures that offer insight into Buddhist heritage. Traveling from Dhanbad to Bodh Gaya covers approximately 208 kilometers by road, typically taking around 3 hours. The journey can be undertaken via private car or taxi. Alternatively, regular train services connect Dhanbad Junction to Gaya Junction, followed by a short 12-kilometer drive to Bodh Gaya.
Ajodhya Hills, located in the Purulia district of West Bengal, is a picturesque destination known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and serene waterfalls. This area offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Visitors can explore attractions such as Bamni Falls, Turga Dam, and the Upper and Lower Dams, which provide breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities. Traveling from Dhanbad to Ajodhya Hills by taxi covers approximately 101 kilometers and typically takes around 3 hours.
Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, encompassing cascading waterfalls, lush green valleys, and rich cultural heritage. Notable attractions include the majestic Dassam Falls, the serene Ranchi Lake, and the historic Jagannath Temple, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Traveling from Dhanbad to Ranchi covers approximately 150 km and can be reached via train or taxi in 4 hours.