NCL and IIT BHU Extend Collaboration to Propel Sustainable Mining and Digital Innovation

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), Singrauli, and the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, today announced the extension of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) until November 2030, solidifying a partnership aimed at advancing sustainable mining practices and fostering digital innovation within the coal sector.

The renewal ceremony, held on July 22, 2025, at IIT (BHU), Varanasi, saw the presence of key figures, including Shri B. Sairam, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NCL, and Professor Amit Patra, Director of IIT (BHU). The original MoU was first signed on November 24, 2018.

Representing NCL, the agreement was formally signed by Shri Naveen Rai, General Manager (Mining)/TS to CMD, while Professor Rajesh Kumar, Dean (R&D), signed on behalf of IIT (BHU).

During the event, NCL CMD Shri B. Sairam highlighted the crucial role of this extended collaboration in driving forward sustainable mining initiatives and integrating cutting-edge digital technologies into industry operations.

Professor Amit Patra, Director of IIT (BHU), further emphasized a shared vision to jointly establish a Center of Excellence dedicated to mining and clean energy technologies. This ambitious initiative aims to deliver significant benefits for both the industry and society at large, paving the way for a more efficient and environmentally conscious future in the energy sector.