Mangaluru : The National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, has created a Professorial Chair position in the Department of Mining Engineering, supported by The Hutti Gold Mines Limited with a substantial grant of Rupees Six Crores.

Since its establishment in 1984, the department has emerged as one of the top mining institutes in India. It offers a B.Tech program in Mining Engineering, and has nearly doubled the number of seats to 60 today. In the last 60 years, more than 900 students have graduated, including several girls. They hold prestigious positions in India and overseas, and contributing to this field. The department also offers Masters, PhD and continuing education programs, and has well-equipped laboratories including a realistic mock-up of an underground mine. Most of the faculty members provide high value consulting services to government and private agencies.

This collaboration with The Hutti Gold Mines Limited presents a unique opportunity to NITK for integrating industry expertise into the curriculum, and providing students firsthand insights into real-world challenges. The Chair position is expected to advance research and development at NITK, fostering innovative solutions to industry-specific issues and promoting knowledge exchange. This partnership will also strengthen NITK’s ties with the industry, leading to joint research initiatives and the co-development of new technologies.