Bhubaneswar: Kerala holds vast, untapped potential in the sustainable development of clay minerals and agro-industrial waste circularity, according to Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of the CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT).
Interacting with a media delegation from Kerala on a National Press Tour to Odisha organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Narayan showcased the institute’s research in critical minerals and sustainable technologies while emphasizing low-emission solutions tailored for eco-sensitive states like Kerala.
CSIR-IMMT—recognized by the Union Ministry of Mines as a Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals—highlighted specific avenues where scientific innovation can drive economic growth in Kerala without harming its fragile ecosystem:
Clay Minerals & Value Addition: Pointing to Kerala’s rich deposits of clay minerals, Dr. Narayan underscored the opportunity to build high-value processing industries leveraging resource-efficient, low-emission technologies.
Agro-Waste to Wealth (Biochar): Citing a concrete solution developed at the institute, CSIR-IMMT demonstrated the transformation of banana peduncle waste into nutrient-dense biochar. This innovation enriches soil potassium levels, offering a eco-friendly boost to Kerala’s agricultural ecosystem while supporting circular economy principles.
Eco-Conscious Processing: With Kerala’s extensive forest cover acting as a vital carbon sink, Dr. Narayan highlighted that modern mineral science permits zero-emission processing designed to protect local communities and biodiversity.
Emphasizing the philosophy that "waste is no longer waste, but a resource," CSIR-IMMT showcased its vision to help India transition into a waste-free nation by 2040.
As part of the tour, the Kerala delegation visited CSIR-IMMT’s pilot plants dedicated to processing Platinum Group Elements (PGE), iron ore beneficiation, and advanced technologies for e-waste and plastic recycling. The institute confirmed that these eco-friendly, commercial-ready technologies are being actively transferred to startups and commercial enterprises.
Dr. Narayan urged the visiting journalists to foster scientific temper among the public, noting that green innovation and sustainable resource management will be vital to achieving the Viksit Bharat vision.
