AM/NS India and ICAR-IARI Join Hands for Groundbreaking Research

New Delhi, Sept 01, 2026: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to undertake advanced research on the sustainable utilization of Iron Ore Tailings (IOTs) in agricultural applications, marking a significant step towards circular economy and resource conservation in India.

The MoU was formally signed and exchanged by Dr. Vishwanathan N., Head - Research & Development, AM/NS India, and Dr. C. Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI in presence of Dr. Bhupinder Singh, Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator, ICAR-IARI and other senior officials from both the institutions.

The collaboration builds on encouraging preliminary studies initiated in 2024 between AM/NS India and ICAR-IARI to explore the suitability of Iron Ore Tailings in agriculture since, the iron Ore Tailings, generated during the beneficiation of iron ore, were found to contain naturally occurring minerals such as silica, iron oxides, alumina, calcium and magnesium and other micro and beneficial nutrients, which can be leveraged for crop production and for sustaining the soil health.

Initial laboratory and field studies conducted at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, and near AM/NS India's beneficiation facility in Kirandul, Chhattisgarh, demonstrated promising results. The research indicated potential for utilizing Iron Ore Tailings as sources of essential and beneficial mineral nutrients for crops including paddy, wheat and vegetables.

The present MOU focuses on long-term scientific studies to be conducted at IARI, New Delhi and at AM/NS India, Kirandul over multiple seasons to evaluate crop response, nutrient availability, Phyto-toxicity, leaching characteristics and an overall environmental impact. This pathbreaking research collaboration is aimed to unlock a sustainable solution for one of the mining sector's key by-product while contributing to agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship. 

Hiroo Ishibashi, Director & Vice President – Technology, AM/NS India said: “At AM/NS India, sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. This collaboration with ICAR-IARI represents a pioneering effort to unlock the potential of iron ore tailings through science-led research.

If successful, this initiative can create a win-win outcome by reducing environmental footprints associated with by-product storage while supporting sustainable agriculture and resource conservation. It reflects our commitment to advancing circular economy solutions that benefit both industry and society."