Mar. 17, 2026 - Bauxite mining waste generated after mineral extraction has long posed a serious environmental challenge, contributing to air pollution and increased acidity in nearby water bodies. Addressing the issue, scientists from CSIR-IMMT have successfully developed an innovative product by utilising bauxite mining waste, offering a sustainable solution with promising industrial applications.

In a significant boost to sustainable mining and industrial innovation, scientists at the CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar have developed high-performance refractory bricks using bauxite mining waste.

To promote the industrial application of the eco-friendly technology, CSIR-IMMT has signed a technology transfer agreement with M/s. Utkal Vanguard Engineering & Construction Pvt. Ltd., a Bhubaneswar-based company. The agreement was formally signed on Tuesday, March 17, at the CSIR-IMMT Campus.

CSIR-IMMT researchers have developed a refractory brick using bauxite mining waste

Turning environmental hazards into resources

Bauxite mining waste generated after mineral extraction has long posed a serious environmental challenge, contributing to air pollution and increased acidity in nearby water bodies.

Addressing the issue, scientists from CSIR-IMMT have successfully developed an innovative product by utilising bauxite mining waste, offering a sustainable solution with promising industrial applications.

Every year, hundreds of billions of tons of mining waste are generated worldwide, making it one of the largest waste streams globally. In India, the problem is particularly significant in mineral-rich regions such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Goa, where mining activities generate substantial amounts of residual material.

In response, CSIR-IMMT researchers have developed a refractory brick using bauxite mining waste. The innovation, led by researchers including Dr. C. Eswaraiah and Dr. Satyasish Rout, demonstrated high heat resistance and durability, making it suitable for various refractory industrial applications.

According to CSIR-IMMT officials, the technology could help industries to enhance production efficiency while providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, an official statement read.

Speaking on the occasion, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, who attended the event as Chief Guest, congratulated the scientists for their remarkable achievement. He stated that such technological innovations highlight how Odisha is emerging as a leading hub of scientific research and technological advancement in India.

The Minister also expressed confidence that CSIR-IMMT will continue its journey of innovation and contribute further to the development of advanced technologies in the future.

Director of the CSIR- IMMT Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, said, Odisha is known for its mineral resources, but mining waste is another resource that has remained neglected so far.

“Today, IMMT and Utkal have collaborated on a new venture to produce refractory bricks from this mining waste. The bricks developed by a team of our scientists using bauxite industry waste can resist temperatures up to 1,400 degrees Celsius. They will offer many industrial applications. As Odisha is rapidly progressing towards setting up different industries, refractory bricks will play an important role in it,’ he added.