हाई कमिश्नर Chris Cooter ने CSIR‑IMMT का दौरा किया ताकि इंडो‑कनाडा सहयोग को महत्वपूर्ण खनिजों में गहरा किया जा सके

<h2>Indo‑Canada Strategic Engagement on Critical Minerals</h2> <p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="CSIR‑IMMT – Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, a premier Indian research institute focusing on minerals, materials and related technologies (GS1: Science & Technology, GS3: Economy)">CSIR‑IMMT</span> hosted <strong>His Excellency Mr. Chris Cooter</strong>, High Commissioner of Canada to India, along with his spouse, trade and public affairs officials. The delegation met <strong>Dr. Ramanuj Narayan</strong>, Director of CSIR‑IMMT, to explore joint work in <span class="key-term" data-definition="Critical Minerals – minerals essential for clean‑energy technologies, electric mobility, advanced manufacturing and strategic sectors; their supply security is a key policy focus (GS3: Economy)">critical minerals</span>. The visit underscored a growing bilateral partnership aimed at securing resilient supply chains for the global energy transition.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Signing of a <span class="key-term" data-definition="Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) – a formal agreement that outlines collaborative research and academic exchange between two institutions (GS2: Polity)">Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI)</span> with the University of Saskatchewan for joint research and student exchange.</li> <li>Presentation by <strong>Dr. Kali Sanjay</strong>, Head of the Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals, on ongoing projects in mineral processing and downstream technology.</li> <li>Tour of advanced pilot plants: <span class="key-term" data-definition="Platinum Group Elements (PGE) – a set of six precious metals used in catalysis, electronics and green‑energy applications (GS3: Economy)">PGE</span> pilot plant, recycling pilot plant, seabed minerals pilot plant, and a <span class="key-term" data-definition="Molten Salt Electrolysis – an electro‑chemical process that extracts metals using molten salts, offering energy‑efficient metal production (GS3: Economy)">molten salt electrolysis</span> facility.</li> <li>Deliberations on joint research programmes, capacity‑building workshops, technical training and technology transfer.</li> <li>Conclusion of the visit with a tree‑plantation drive symbolising shared commitment to sustainable development.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The delegation comprised the High Commissioner, his spouse Ms. Karen Joan Blumenschein, Trade Commissioner Mr. Arjun Kumar Dutta and Political, Economic & Public Affairs Officer Mr. Rohit Shukla. Discussions highlighted Canada’s abundant critical‑mineral reserves and advanced mining expertise, while India contributes growing capabilities in mineral processing, downstream technologies and manufacturing. Both nations aim to diversify supply chains, reduce dependence on single sources, and foster innovation in clean‑energy sectors.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>For GS III (Economy) candidates, the visit ill