Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Explores Critical Minerals, Clean Energy at Imperial College London

Ranchi: State chief minister Hemant Soren and his team visited the Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, as part of Jharkhand’s ongoing international engagements on critical minerals, advanced processing, and clean energy transitions. He also addressed a packed hall at the Westminster Chapel on the theme of Jharkhand turning 25.During the visit, Hemant toured key laboratories and interacted with faculty members and researchers working at the forefront of critical minerals processing, advanced materials, and nuclear-linked research.The CM was also briefed in detail by experts in the field of mining to gain insights into cutting-edge research worldwide, nuclear engineering, and advanced sensing technologies.“The laboratories showcased advanced techniques in mineral characterisation, processing optimisation, modelling, and imaging — demonstrating how early-stage research can be translated into industrial-scale applications. Discussions focused on how such technologies can help resource-rich regions like Jharkhand move beyond extraction toward value addition, strengthening domestic capabilities across the critical minerals value chain,” read a statement from the state IPRD department.Hemant underscored Jharkhand’s ambition to build R&D-led industrial ecosystems, aligned with the state’s commitment to forward-looking transition, the statement said.Separately, the CM also met with senior representatives of the Jindal Group as a follow-up to his previous meeting with the group’s chairman, Naveen Jindal, in Ranchi on Jan 2. Building on the earlier discussions, collaboration areas have now been defined to advance cooperation between the Jharkhand govt and the Naveen Jindal Group. “Jindal group has expressed intent to support the state’s efforts towards sustainable industrial development, covering potential investments in steel, clean energy and power infrastructure,” the IPRD statement said.Acknowledging the state’s flagship Marang gomke scholarship, the discussions also covered collaboration in skill education, including scholarship support for students from Jharkhand in partnership with the Jindal Group. “Expression of intent was also shared for capacity building, and training programmes aimed at strengthening institutional capabilities have also been proposed,” the statement added.In his address to the gathering at the Westminster Chapel in London on the theme Jharkhand @25, Hemant greets students from the state, the Indian diaspora, and UK citizens. Stating that it is a first visit to the place, Hemant, however, said his govt has sent many Jharkhand scholars under various schemes. He also said Jharkhand, though small, is rich in history and shaped by leaders and martyrs such as Jaipal Singh Munda, Birsa Munda, Sidho–Kanhu, Phulo–Jhano, and Shibu Soren. His address stressed that making history is harder than writing or reading it, and that Jharkhand’s legacy is one of dignity, struggle, wisdom, and harmony with nature despite limited formal education.He linked past sacrifices to today’s responsibility — building a strong future through multidimensional, technology-ready education. The goal is not only government jobs but globally competitive youth. His govt’s initiatives include Chief Minister Schools of Excellence, expanded access to technical, medical, and professional education, and the Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme offering up to ₹15 lakh collateral-free, low-interest support with repayment after education and employment.Hemant thanked UK minister Seema Malhotra and mentioned collaboration steps with the Jindal Group, and emphasised strengthening intellectual capacity. While marking Jharkhand’s 25th year, Hemant also promised a roadmap for the next 25 years, with youth as ambassadors.The CM’s speech, which highlighted Jharkhand’s peaceful, inclusive culture, started and concluded with the state’s customary greeting, Johar.