Coimbatore Seminar Explores Recovery of Critical Minerals and Metals from Industrial Waste

????♻️ One-Day Seminar on Extraction of Critical Minerals and Metals from Industrial Wastes Held in Coimbatore

The Institution of Engineers (India), Coimbatore Local Centre, organised a One-Day Seminar on “Extraction of Critical Minerals / Metals from Industrial Wastes” in association with the Department of Metallurgical Engineering, PSG College of Technology (Institutional Membership: IM000110-6), Coimbatore, under the aegis of the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Divisional Board (MMDB), IEI, on September 29, 2026.

The seminar focused on the importance of recovering critical minerals and valuable metals from industrial wastes, promoting resource conservation, sustainable development and the principles of a circular economy.

Inaugural Session

During the inaugural session, Dr. J. Krishnamoorthi, Immediate Past Chairman, IEI Coimbatore Local Centre and Council Member, MMDB, IEI Kolkata, delivered the welcome address.

Dr. Deepak Kumar Satapathy, Assistant Professor, Department of Metallurgical Engineering, PSG College of Technology, provided an overview of the One-Day Seminar and its objectives.

The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. S. R. Sankaranarayanan, Professor, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli. He highlighted the importance of recovering critical minerals and metals from industrial wastes for resource conservation, sustainable development and building a circular economy.

Dr. J. Pradeep Kumar, Honorary Secretary, IEI Coimbatore Local Centre, proposed the vote of thanks.

Invited Lecture – 1

The first technical session was on “Synthesis of Industrial Chemicals from Metallurgical Wastes”, delivered by Dr. S. Raman Sankaranarayanan, Professor, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli.

The session focused on industrial wastes, particularly those generated by the steel industry. A comparative analysis of energy consumption involved in the processing of different metals was presented, along with the quantities of waste generated by these processes.

Special attention was given to the recycling of solid industrial wastes for the recovery of precious metals and the reuse of remaining waste materials in applications such as road construction and building materials.

Invited Lecture – 2

The second technical session, titled “Resources and Technologies in Critical Minerals (with a Focus on Lithium and Rare Earth Extraction),” was delivered by Dr. G. Balachandran, Former Scientist, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad.

The lecture provided extensive information on critical minerals and their applications. Dr. Balachandran also discussed metallurgical practices adopted during his tenure at DRDO and highlighted India's position in critical mineral processing in comparison with China and other major global powers.

The session further covered the processing of lithium and rare earth elements, the development of metal hydrides for hydrogen storage, and the production of rare-earth-based permanent magnets.

Afternoon Session – Invited Lecture 3

The third technical session focused on “Bioleaching Assisted Electrochemical Reclamation of Titanium from Redmud”, delivered by Dr. R. Selvakumar, Professor and Head, Department of Biotechnology and Nanobiotechnology, PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Coimbatore.

The session explored natural approaches to industrial waste management. Dr. Selvakumar explained how certain bacteria and plants can absorb heavy metals from industrial wastes, with a specific focus on red mud supplied by NALCO, Damanjodi.

Red mud is a major waste generated during the processing of bauxite for aluminium production. The study discussed the use of native bacterial strains and vetiver plants to absorb heavy metals from red mud, thereby helping prevent their transfer into groundwater.

The session also highlighted the possibility of recovering heavy metals from the roots of vetiver plants after processing. The approach was presented as a natural and economical method for managing heavy metals present in red mud.

Invited Lecture – 4

The fourth technical session was on “Extraction of Metals from Industrial Wastes and E-waste”, delivered by Mr. N. Jayaprakash, Director – Tech and Business Development, Jacsgreen Recycling Private Limited, Tiruvannamalai.

The speaker highlighted the current scenario of electronic waste recycling in India and explained the different grades and categories of e-waste.

The session also highlighted concerns surrounding the uncontrolled burning of toxic electronic waste and the need for effective regulation and responsible e-waste management.

Mr. Jayaprakash explained various processes used for recovering valuable and precious metals from e-waste, including gold, silver and copper.

Valedictory Session

The programme concluded with a valedictory session, followed by the distribution of certificates to the participants.

???? Details of the Sessions

Day 1 – Forenoon Session

Inauguration:
Dr. S. Raman Sankaranarayanan, Professor, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli

Invited Lecture 1:
Speaker: Dr. S. Raman Sankaranarayanan
Topic: “Synthesis of Industrial Chemicals from Metallurgical Wastes”

Invited Lecture 2:
Speaker: Dr. G. Balachandran, Former Scientist, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad
Topic: “Resources and Technologies in Critical Minerals (with a Focus on Lithium and Rare Earth Extraction)”

Day 1 – Afternoon Session

Invited Lecture 3:
Speaker: Dr. R. Selvakumar, Professor and Head, Department of Biotechnology and Nanobiotechnology, PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Coimbatore
Topic: “Bioleaching Assisted Electrochemical Reclamation of Titanium from Redmud”

Invited Lecture 4:
Speaker: Mr. N. Jayaprakash, Director – Tech and Business Development, Jacsgreen Recycling Private Limited, Tiruvannamalai
Topic: “Extraction of Metals from Industrial Wastes and E-waste”

The seminar brought together experts from academia, research and industry to discuss emerging technologies and sustainable approaches for recovering critical minerals, precious metals and other valuable resources from industrial waste and e-waste.

The discussions highlighted the growing importance of waste-to-resource technologies in strengthening resource security, reducing environmental impact and supporting India's transition towards a circular and sustainable economy.