Mineral Processing Division at CSIR-NML has been engaged in Research and Development in Mineral Characterization, Beneficiation and Agglomeration towards exploitation of low grade ores and minerals. It has established the state of art laboratory facility for characterization, bench and pilot scale beneficiation. During the last more than six decades it has undertaken systematic research on beneficiation of a large number of ore/mineral samples. Based on the know-how provided by CSIR-NML a number of commercial beneficiation and agglomeration plants have been commissioned in public and private sectors and it has contributed significantly to the development of mineral based industries. In addition to catering to the needs of mineral processing industry in India it has maintained a strong international presence and successfully executed a number of projects on samples for foreign origin from countries like Bhutan, Egypt, Syria, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Australia, Canada, Mali, Morocco, South Korea, Nepal, Zambia, UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia, Ukraine, Verma, Philippines, Oman, Uganda, Khakhstan, Thialand, Ethiopia etc.

Major Research areas in Mineral Processing Division at CSIR-NML are:

1. Mineral Characterization
2. Mineral Beneficiation
3. Agglomeration

Mineral Characterisation

Scientists of this group are engaged in mineral characterisation and beneficiation. Scientist of mineral characterisation involve in physical, physico-chemical, chemical, mineralogical characterization of different ore/minerals/coal.

Mineral Beneficiation

Scientists of mineral beneficiation carry researchin low and lean grade ferrous, non-ferrous ores, non-metallic, industrial, refractory, strategic, fertilizer minerals, precious metals and coals at laboratory/ bench and pilot scale towards development of process/process flow-sheet.

Agglomeration

 Agglomeration is a size enlargement process used in the mineral/metallurgical to impart better functionality to product and thus avoiding common processing problems. Scientists in agglomeration involved in studies on briquetting, pelletization and sintering of ore, fines and concentrates.