Since 1996, IIM Delhi Chapter has been organizing a biennial International Conference - MMMM (Minerals, Metals, Metallurgy & Materials) on issues of national importance impacting the Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Industries. This Event has been well-recognized within the industry in India, as well as the world over, for showcasing market leading products and brands.

14th edition of this prestigious institutionalized biennial International Event - MMMM2024 was organized at Yashobhumi, IICC, Dwarka, N.Delhi during 27 – 29 September 2024. The topic of this Event was 'Process & Product Innovations in Metal Production'. An International Technical Conference was held on these days at the Venue. Concurrently an Exhibition & Expo was organized where global leading Technology/Equipment Suppliers, related to metal industries, showcased their technologies, products & services for promotion of business focusing on growth and development of Metals and Minerals sectors.

Metallurgical industries have always been receptive to novel ideas and new technologies. While efficiently utilizing existing manufacturing processes, the focus has also been on suitably adopting innovations from related fields. Current focus is on replacing traditional production methods with cleaner alternatives powered by renewable energy, including green hydrogen, green energy, carbon capture, storage and utilization etc., enabling shift towards "green" production, i.e., achieving a net zero carbon footprint, and digitalization. Also, there is a quest to reduce overall waste and foster circular economy practices, for maximizing resource utilization. Automation is propelling the industry into a new era of efficiency, safety, and sustainability, Enhanced productivity arises from computer-controlled precision that ensures consistent high-quality output, while also significantly reducing operational costs.

Innovation isn't just about processes; it's also about the products. New alloys are being developed with enhanced properties, such as increased strength, better corrosion resistance, or lighter weight etc. Such advancements expand the range of applications, from aerospace to medical implants. India's metal sector is experiencing significant growth. Besides adding new capacity, the industry has also been continuously updating and upgrading older plants to higher efficiency levels. The continuous diffusion of process and product innovations has been crucial for maintaining healthy growth.

The Conference on Process & Product Innovations in Metal Production aimed to bring together the professionals across both the domestic and international organizations for deliberations on emerging trends and taking stock of new technologies and their scale of impact. Goal was to draw on industry knowledge, create lively conversations and generate ideas of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Participants had the benefit of hearings from keynote speakers, industry experts and researchers. Senior officers from Ministry of Steel and Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, and Captains of the industry also participated. Conference focused on fostering collaborations, sharing best practices, present cutting-edge research, gain insights from peers, engage in thought-provoking discussions and learn about the latest trends in manufacturing products.

In addition to Panel Discussions amongst Industry Stalwarts on 'Innovation in Process and Product Development' and 'Decarbonization of the Metal Sector and Strengthening of R&D Ecosystem', the following technical sessions were organised during the International Conference:

• Product Development and Applications
• Process Innovations in Steel & Metal Sector
• Decarbonization of Metal Sector
• New Technologies
• Recovery, Recycling & Waste Management
• Raw Material Beneficiation & Advanced Refractory Material
• Digitalization & Smart Technologies

Eminent experts from different disciplines from India and abroad participated in the Conference and presented technical papers covering various issues of Metals and Minerals industries (relating to above mentioned Technical Areas). There was a good mix of that Policy Makers, Government Officials, CEOs /Top Management Personnel, Engineers and Professionals, Mining and Mineral Engineers, Material Scientists and Technologists, Technology / Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers, Consultants, R&D Professionals and Academicians, Key Personnel of Core & Allied Industries, Trade Delegations, Buyer and Sourcing Personnel, etc. amongst the participants and speakers during the Event

Detailed information on the International Conference may be accessed at MMMM2024 Conference Brochure

Detailed technical information on the Technical Sessions and Papers deliberated during International Conference may be accessed at Conference Detailed Programme