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AM/NS India, ICAR-IARI Explore Iron Ore Tailings for Agriculture
AM/NS India and ICAR-IARI are working together to find a useful purpose for iron ore tailings.
Tailings are leftover material produced when iron ore is processed.
Scientists found that this material contains minerals that plants and soil may be able to use.
Early tests were conducted in New Delhi and near a mining facility in Kirandul, Chhattisgarh.
The tests showed promising results for paddy, wheat and vegetables.
The researchers will now study the material over several growing seasons.
They will check whether it is safe, whether crops can use its nutrients and whether it harms soil or water.
The goal is to turn mining waste into a safe agricultural resource instead of storing it for a long time.
AM/NS India and ICAR-IARI signed an MoU to study agricultural uses for iron ore tailings.
Preliminary studies found tailings contain silica, iron oxides, alumina, calcium, magnesium and other nutrients.
Initial laboratory and field trials showed potential benefits for paddy, wheat and vegetable production.
Long-term studies will assess crop response, nutrient availability, phytotoxicity, leaching and environmental impacts.
The collaboration aims to reduce tailings storage, conserve resources and potentially reduce chemical-fertilizer imports.
- Who
- ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Agricultural Research Institute signed the MoU.
- What
- The institutions will conduct advanced, long-term research on using iron ore tailings in agriculture.
- Where
- Research will take place at ICAR-IARI in New Delhi and AM/NS India’s facility in Kirandul, Chhattisgarh.
- When
- The MoU was signed today; preliminary studies began in 2024.
- Why
- The collaboration aims to assess a safe use for mining waste while supporting soil health, crop production and resource conservation.
Key facts
- Research partners
- ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India and ICAR-IARI
- Research material
- Iron Ore Tailings generated during iron ore beneficiation
- Preliminary study locations
- ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, and near AM/NS India’s beneficiation facility in Kirandul, Chhattisgarh
- Preliminary study period
- Studies initiated in 2024
- Potential crops
- Paddy, wheat and vegetables
- Safety assessments
- Crop response, nutrient availability, phytotoxicity, leaching characteristics and overall environmental impact
- Long-term objective
- Reduce the need to store iron ore tailings and support sustainable resource use
Sources
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