Hyderabad, Dec.5 (RAHNUMA): The 79th Annual Technical Meeting (ATM) of the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM) has commenced at IIT Hyderabad, bringing together top global minds in metallurgy, materials science, and critical minerals. The three-day event opens with the “International Conference on Advanced Materials and Critical Minerals for Energy Transition”, aligning with India’s thrust towards clean energy and technological self-reliance.
This edition marks a milestone with the highest-ever participation, including 1,400 plus abstracts for oral and poster sessions and over 100 micrographs for the metallography contest. A technical exhibition showcasing advanced characterisation tools and manufacturing technologies from 45 institutes was inaugurated by N. Balaram, CMD, Singareni Collieries Company Ltd.
IIT Hyderabad Director and IIM President Prof. B. S. Murty, presiding over the inaugural ceremony, underlined the global need for rapid decarbonisation and advanced functional materials. He stressed India’s urgency in mastering the full lifecycle of critical minerals — from responsible extraction to next-gen manufacturing.
Dr. Komal Kapoor, Senior Vice-President of IIM and CMD of Nuclear Fuel Complex, noted that energy transition and national strategic needs place unprecedented pressure on materials demand, calling for sustainable production and energy-efficient processes.
SVU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Tata Narasinga Rao, co-convenor of ATM 2025, detailed the meticulous selection of distinguished speakers representing all domains of advanced materials and critical minerals.
Chief Guest N. Balaram highlighted India’s ongoing initiatives in critical mineral production and its role in future energy security.
Convenor Prof. K. Bhanu Sankara Rao (IIT Hyderabad) said the event strengthens global collaboration essential for achieving “Atmanirbhar Bharat” through mastery of critical element sourcing, beneficiation, processing, and advanced manufacturing. Experts from India, Australia, Japan, Germany, the USA, South Africa, and France are delivering plenary lectures.
About 24 plenary talks were held across two parallel tracks covering alloy design, energy materials, quantum materials, critical mineral processing, metal extraction, refining, and recycling.
