Jamshedpur: The CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) in Jamshedpur marked its 75th anniversary, celebrating its journey as a global leader in metallurgy and materials research. With a significant presence in research publications and intellectual property development, NML has made substantial contributions to metallurgical and materials science and technology over the decades.
The foundation stone for the laboratory was laid by C. Rajagopalachari on November 21, 1946, and it was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on November 26, 1950, with a vision of fostering hope and faith in the future of India’s industrial growth. Since then, NML has consistently strived for excellence in research and development, particularly in providing tailor-made technologies for the Indian metallurgical sector.
Operating through four R&D divisions and four support divisions, NML has formed dynamic partnerships with research institutions in India and abroad to foster breakthrough innovations in the minerals and metallurgy sectors. Its research focus spans several critical areas:
- Mineral Processing and Engineering: Research in agglomeration, coal and iron ore processing, petrography, and pilot-scale research.
- Ferrous and Non-ferrous Metal Extraction: Advanced work in extractive metallurgy, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, electrometallurgy, and process modeling.
- Surface Engineering: Innovations in corrosion, tribology, and surface modification.
- Applied and Analytical Chemistry: Expertise in chemical analysis, water chemistry, and surface chemistry.
- Materials Engineering: Alloy development, advanced materials processing, metal forming, and materials joining.
- Materials Evaluation: Mechanical behavior analysis, microstructural characterization, non-destructive evaluation, and computational materials engineering.
- Energy and Environment: Focusing on waste utilization, metals recycling, green metallurgical technology, and pollution mitigation.
NML has also pioneered the development of certified reference materials for raw materials, metals, alloys, and spectrographic standards. To date, it has developed numerous standards, including seven for raw materials, sixteen for metals and alloys, and five for spectrographic standards related to plain carbon steel.
In addition to its extensive R&D program, NML has been actively involved in social outreach initiatives. Notable projects include the School-NML Interactive Programme (SNIP), Teacher-CSIR NML Interactive Programme (TECHNIP), and village adoption projects that focus on science education, employment generation, sanitation, and health improvements. The laboratory also runs vocational training programs, internships, and a “Learning by Doing” initiative for school students.
A significant new initiative is the “JIGYASA” program, launched under CSIR and the Ministry of Human Resource Development. This program aims to foster a scientific temper among students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan schools, furthering the laboratory’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
As CSIR-NML celebrates its 75th anniversary, it stands as a testament to India’s advancing role in global metallurgical research, with a focus on innovation, societal impact, and the continued growth of India’s industrial and technological capabilities.
