A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was exchanged between NLC India Limited (NLCIL) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, for a collaborative research project aimed at creating a substitute for tungsten carbide inserts for excavator bucket teeth in the mining industry on February 28, 2026.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Dr Pikee Priya, Assistant Professor of Materials Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Neeraj Kumar, CGM-Unit Head/CARD at NLCIL. The signing took place in the presence of Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Director of Power at NLCIL, and Rajesh Pratap Singh Sisodia, Director of Planning and Projects.
To improve durability and lessen reliance on imports, this project seeks to create indigenous alternatives to tungsten carbide components utilised in mining operations through the design of new materials and techniques.
In order to fortify its organised research and development partnerships with top universities, NLCIL has been operating its Centre for Applied Research and Development (CARD). The corporation has strengthened its emphasis on technology-driven operational efficiency by signing thirteen memorandums of cooperation with IISc, IITs, NITs, and state universities.
To enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities and self-reliance in vital industrial inputs, while encouraging innovation in the coal and mining industries, the project corresponds with the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” goal.
