ICAR-IARI and AMNS Sign Long-Term MoU to Research Use of Iron Ore Tailings in Agriculture

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Agriculture Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) has entered into a long-term memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) to conduct research on utilizing iron ore tailings in agriculture. The partnership, which follows two years of preliminary studies initiated in 2024, will run until 2029 and facilitate large-scale trials at ICAR-IARI and AMNS sites.

Preliminary studies conducted since 2024 showed that applying valorised iron ore tailings improved crop yields by 10 to 15 percent while reducing chemical fertilizer use by 20 percent. Crops tested in these initial phases included paddy, wheat, and vegetables such as brinjal and lady's finger.

Before application, the research team addressed environmental and safety concerns regarding heavy metal contamination and excess iron content. By treating the tailings with organic amendments and biological consortia—a mix of bacteria and fungi that assist in nutrient solubilisation—the scientists ensured that the processed tailings lacked toxic heavy metals and safely released necessary macro and micronutrients like calcium and magnesium.

Bhupinder Singh, Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator at ICAR-IARI, noted that the valorised material can help address nutrient deficiencies in Indian soils, where approximately 12 percent of cultivable lands are iron deficient and 49 percent are zinc deficient. The project also aims to improve iron and zinc content in crops through biofortification to support human nutrition.

The second phase of the project, slated to begin large-scale trials on ICAR-IARI plots starting in November, will expand to different crops including cereals, oilseeds, non-edible flowers, tubers like potatoes, and vegetables. Additionally, trials will be conducted in Chhattisgarh involving batches of 10 to 20 farmers across 10 villages, focusing on organic amendments to avoid chemical use.

The research team will also examine the leaching behavior of the tailings to conduct a complete environmental impact assessment as part of the expanded field trials.

"This partnership between ICAR-IARI and AMNS demonstrates a practical model for converting industrial waste into secondary agricultural resources. By rigorously addressing safety, heavy metal characterization, and valorisation, this initiative highlights how scientific research can unlock commercial and environmental value from mining byproducts. Long-term field trials through 2029 will be crucial in establishing scalable, sustainable applications that can benefit both soil health and farm productivity." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes