Prof. Arvind Kumar Mishra

 Director, CSIR-CIMFR, Dhanbad

Professor (Dr.) Arvind Kumar Mishra, a luminary in Mining Engineering, is the current Director of CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) in Dhanbad, India. With over three decades of experience spanning academia, industry, and research, Prof. Mishra is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India) and holds advanced degrees, including a PhD in Mining Engineering, from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad. His career commenced with Coal India Limited, where he contributed as a Mining Engineer before transitioning into academia at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in 1992.

At IIT (ISM), Prof. Mishra has played a pivotal role, ascending to the position of Head of the Department of Mining Engineering and serving as Chair Professor (Uranium), a post sponsored by the Department of Atomic Energy, India. His tenure at Orica Mining Services, Australia, as Technical Services Manager further cemented his reputation as a global expert, steering advancements in explosives engineering and mining technology.

Prof. Mishra’s expertise encompasses Opencast and Underground Mining, Drilling and Blasting, Rock Excavation, Tunnelling, Geo-mechanics, and AI-driven automation in mining. His innovative projects include large-cavern blast designs, slope stability in challenging terrains like the Himalayas, and strategic collaborations with organizations such as the Border Roads Organization for infrastructure development in sensitive regions.

A prolific researcher, Prof. Mishra has authored over 200 publications in reputed journals and conferences. His groundbreaking studies address real-world challenges in mining and allied fields, including the environmental impacts of blasting, advancements in explosives technology, and the integration of machine learning in rock mechanics. His mentorship has led to the successful guidance of numerous PhD candidates, solidifying his role as a transformative academic.

His accolades include the prestigious National Geoscience Award, presented by the President of India, and the Abheraj Baldota Memorial Gold Medal for Young Mining Engineer of the Year. Recognized among the top 2% of scientists globally in Mining Engineering, his contributions extend to international scientific collaborations with countries such as Russia, Germany, Australia, Italy among others.

Beyond his technical accomplishments, Prof. Mishra actively contributes to societal initiatives providing sustainable development and scientific literacy.  As a thought leader, he has been instrumental in introducing cutting edge technologies in Indian mining, including electronic detonators, underground bulk emulsion explosives, emulsion based seismic explosives, multi-strata blasting technology, low diversity and variable energy bulk explosives technology, controlled blasting technology, tunnel engineering, underground space technology, clean coal technologies, coal to syngas and methanol mapping and tapping of critical minerals. Stamp Charging, pastel fill technology, greening of mining and refining industries, etc. significantly enhancing safety and productivity.

Prof. Mishra's leadership roles within key governmental and professional organizations reflect his commitment to advancing mining and fuel science. As an advisor and member of strategic committees under the Ministries of Coal, Mines, and Science & Technology, he shapes policies that drive innovation and sustainable practices in mining, mineral processing and fuel sciences.

Prof. Mishra embodies the confluence of academic brilliance, industrial acumen, and a visionary approach to technology and societal welfare. His enduring legacy lies in pioneering innovations, fostering knowledge exchange, and mentoring future leaders in Mining and fuel sciences.