SRINAGAR: A five-day Short-Term Course on 'Recent Advances in Extractive Metallurgy' concluded at Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar in collaboration with Dhattu Mittra Club. The valedictory function was presided over by Registrar and Head of Department Prof. Atikur Rahman. In his key speech, he said this short-term course has provided a unique platform for participants to engage with cutting-edge research and industry trends.
"I am confident that the insights gained will empower our students and professionals to push the boundaries of what’s possible in extractive metallurgy," he said. Prof. Rahman also appreciated Chairman Dr Yashwant Mehta, convenors Dr Nitika and Dr Anshul for taking lead for organising STC on relevant topic. “The other faculty members of the department, Student club 'Dhaatu Mitra led by Mir Mohammad Toib,'and his team also played a vital role in seamless operation of the event, " he said.
The Registrar said the collective efforts of the entire team over these five days have not only enriched the participants' learning experience but have also set a high standard for future initiatives. Chairman of the workshop, Dr. Yashwant Mehta said by hosting such advanced courses, we continue to reinforce our position as a center of excellence in metallurgical and materials engineering. The knowledge transfer that took place here is a crucial step toward achieving sustainable and efficient extractive processes, he added.
Earlier Dr. Anshul Gupta, Convenor of the STC presented the report of the program, He expressed his gratitude to the Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Registrar and HoD, Prof. Atikur Rahman, Dean P&D, Dr Yashwant Mehta for their support and motivation to carry out this workshop. "I would like to congratulate all the speakers, participants, faculty members and students for their contribution in successfully organizing this event," he said.
Dr. Anshul said the 5 day event commenced with an enlightening and inspiring talk by Prof. G.S. Gupta, who inaugurated the workshop by discussing the mathematical modeling of iron and steel making processes. He emphasized the critical need for encouraging students to pursue R&D activities in extractive metallurgy, noting the high demand for expertise in this area amidst a shortage of requisite talent.
Dr. Snigda Ghosh from IIT Bhubaneswar led an engaging discussion on the use of renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen, for iron ore reduction and strategies for reducing the carbon footprint in iron and steel making processes. Dr. Anshul said the workshop also explored the potential of harnessing natural resources found in the Jammu and Kashmir region, including low-grade aluminum ore and lithium ore.
“The recent discovery of significant lithium reserves in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir presents a promising opportunity for researchers to contribute to the nation's growing economy,” he added. Participants also had the chance to deepen their understanding of the recycling processes in the steelmaking industry, thanks to an insightful session by Dr. Anurabh Meshram from IIT Kanpur.
"Overall, I am confident that this workshop will have a lasting impact, inspiring students and scholars to pursue careers in extractive metallurgy, whether in academia or industry. This workshop has provided an invaluable platform for budding engineers to engage with renowned professionals, gaining from their knowledge and experience," Dr. Anshul said.
A formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Nitika Kundan. She expressed her gratitude to all guests, faculty, staff members, students and participants for making the event successful. Dr. Anshul Gupta and Dr. Nitika Kundan were conveners. Dr.Aravi Muzaffar, Dr. Srinibash Mishra, Dr. Pravn Katiyar, Dr. Irfan Wani were coordinators of the Course.
