Multi-season research will examine crop response, nutrient availability, phytotoxicity, leaching and environmental safety
New Delhi : The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to undertake long-term research on whether iron ore tailings can be safely and beneficially used in agriculture. The collaboration will focus on the scientific evaluation of iron ore tailings, a by-product generated during iron ore beneficiation, and their possible use as a source of mineral nutrients for crops and soils. The MoU was signed by Dr Vishwanathan N., Head of Research and Development at AM/NS India, and Dr C. Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions. The programme builds on preliminary studies initiated in 2024 by ICAR-IARI and AM/NS India.
According to the organisations, iron ore tailings contain naturally occurring minerals including silica, iron oxides, alumina, calcium and magnesium, along with other micronutrients and beneficial elements. Initial laboratory and field studies were conducted at ICAR-IARI in New Delhi and near AM/NS India’s beneficiation facility at Kirandul in Chhattisgarh. The preliminary research examined the potential use of iron ore tailings in crops including paddy, wheat and vegetables. Under the new MoU, multi-season studies will be carried out at ICAR-IARI in New Delhi and at Kirandul. Researchers will assess crop response, nutrient availability, phytotoxicity, leaching characteristics and the wider environmental impact of using iron ore tailings in agricultural systems. The objective is to generate scientific evidence on whether the mining by-product can be used safely while reducing the need for long-term storage.
Dr Bhupinder Singh, Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator at ICAR-IARI, said the evaluation of industrial by-products for their nutritional profile was necessary before developing agricultural applications. He said preliminary studies had indicated possible use of iron ore tailings in agricultural systems, but comprehensive data on agronomic performance, nutrient dynamics and environmental safety would be required before any wider application. The research will also examine whether iron-rich tailings can help address iron deficiency in degraded soils and improve iron concentration in agricultural produce, potentially contributing to biofortification efforts. The study is significant because large volumes of mining waste require long-term storage and can present environmental-management challenges. Scientific reuse of such material, if found safe, could support efforts towards waste valorisation and circular use of industrial by-products. AM/NS India said the research forms part of its broader efforts to explore alternative uses for industrial by-products. The company said any future agricultural application would depend on the outcome of the scientific studies.
