Ministry of Mines Receives Silver Award for Excellence at IITF 2025
Exhibition Draws Over One Lakh Visitors, Highlighting India’s Mineral Resources and Technological Innovations
The Ministry of Mines Pavilion was awarded the Silver Medal (Second Prize) for excellence in display under the Central Ministries & Government Departments Pavilion Category at IITF 2025. The award was presented to Smt. Farida M. Naik, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, alongside senior officials of the Ministry. Aligned with the IITF 2025 theme “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” the pavilion attracted over one lakh visitors and showcased India’s mineral wealth, technological innovation, community empowerment, and sustainability initiatives, reflecting the nation’s progress towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
CPSEs Highlight Industrial and Strategic Capabilities
Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under the Ministry presented India’s industrial and strategic capabilities through diverse displays. NALCO highlighted its leadership in aluminium production and its applications in clean energy, transport, and strategic sectors. Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) exhibited copper products, emphasizing their significance in power, construction, railways, and electronics, while also noting its cultural contribution to the Ram Mandir, supplying approximately 70,000 pure copper strips and blocks for structural reinforcement. MECL demonstrated advanced exploration technologies, core samples, and instruments essential for mapping India’s mineral resources.
Geological Survey of India Exhibits Natural Heritage
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) presented a detailed geological gallery featuring dinosaur and plant fossils, egg specimens, kimberlite samples, offshore marine nodules, lime mud, construction sand, geodes, amethyst crystals, and a collection of critical minerals vital for emerging technologies. The exhibit provided visitors with an extensive view of India’s natural heritage and strategic mineral potential.
Innovation in Sustainability and Scientific Validation
JNARDDC demonstrated sustainability through creative e-waste models, including an e-waste doll, elephant, and a metal scrap globe. Its RVM and plastic bottle crusher machines collected over 400 kg of plastic waste, promoting eco-conscious practices. NIRM showcased rock testing capabilities and highlighted its role in certifying marble used in the Ram Mandir, emphasizing the importance of scientific validation in national heritage and infrastructure projects.
Community Empowerment and Rural Entrepreneurship
The pavilion featured District Mineral Foundation (DMF)-supported Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from various states displaying bamboo crafts, handmade goods, and regional specialty products. Collective sales of these products exceeded ₹20 lakh, illustrating grassroots empowerment, rural entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods in mining-affected regions.
Private Sector Participation
Private sector contributions enhanced the pavilion’s impact. Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), a leading global zinc and silver producer, showcased its role in strengthening India’s critical mineral capabilities through an interactive stall. The display featured RFID-enabled experiences highlighting minerals such as tungsten, potash, halite, cadmium, germanium, and rare earth elements used in defence, clean energy, electric vehicles, and manufacturing. Visitors explored ore samples, silver, SHG zinc, and EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon green zinc, alongside AR/VR tours of HZL’s mining and smelting operations. A social impact section displayed handcrafted items by local communities, including HZL’s Sakhi Didis and Daichi Upaya products, reflecting rural entrepreneurship and women-led microenterprises.
Hindalco Industries Limited exhibited aluminium applications in Chandrayaan-3, Vande Bharat trains, aerospace, and advanced engineering projects, highlighting India’s capabilities in lightweight, precision, and next-generation manufacturing.
Integrated Showcase of Technology, Heritage, and Community
The Ministry of Mines Pavilion integrated technology, innovation, sustainability, cultural heritage, and community engagement, setting a standard for public interaction and sectoral showcasing at IITF 2025. Through interactive displays and inclusive initiatives, the pavilion reflected the theme “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and demonstrated how India’s mining ecosystem, supported by CPSEs, research institutions, private sector collaboration, and empowered communities, is contributing to a self-reliant and future-ready nation.