Pyrometallurgy & Materials Engineering

Abstract

The Pyrometallurgy and Materials Engineering (PMME) Department at CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar, has a legacy of over six decades in advancing research and technology in mineral, metallurgical, and materials sciences. Established in 1964 as part of the then Regional Research Laboratory (now CSIR-IMMT), the department evolved from broad investigations in minerals and metals into specialized divisions dedicated to mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, plasma processing, and advanced materials. Its pioneering contributions include early work on coal carbonization, briquetting of fines, phosphorus removal from manganese ores, and indigenous sintering furnace design, which laid the foundation for India’s resource conservation and metallurgical innovation. From the 1990s onward, plasma processing emerged as a hallmark, enabling the valorization of wastes and the synthesis of advanced materials. Post-2010, research expanded to sustainable and green technologies such as hydrogen plasma-based “green steel,” red mud and e-waste valorization, and eco-friendly processing methods. The department has since transitioned toward pilot-scale and industrial validation, working with partners like Tata Steel, NALCO, NMDC, and Vedanta. Recent advances encompass nanotechnology, composites, advanced coatings, additive manufacturing, high-entropy alloys, and semiconductor materials, aligning with national priorities in sustainability, strategic materials, and energy efficiency. Today, PMME continues to serve as a leading center for interdisciplinary innovation, technology transfer, and industrial collaboration, making significant contributions to India’s metallurgical and materials engineering landscape.