DR Aung Zeya, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology, visited the Department of Technology Promotion and Cooperation’s Department of Materials Science and Research (Ela) yesterday to inspect ongoing activities. The visit included a review of the quality of pure gold plates donated to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the trial production of compounds for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, waste battery management practices, the experimental extraction of valuable metals from electronic waste, and the department’s provision of technical research and support services.
Officials provided an explanation of the research and testing of the latest electric vehicle (EV) battery type, a project guided by the Head of State during the 100th anniversary of Myanmar’s engineering education. The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of strictly adhering to the Head of State’s guidance and stressed continued efforts to advance technological research that contributes meaningfully to the country’s development.
He subsequently coordinated to address employees’ work-related needs and presented research awards to staff members, as well as honorariums to senior employees and their families.
Afterwards, the research results of several ongoing activities were reviewed. These included EV battery research conducted by the Department of Hydrometallurgy, mineralogy research and ore exploration in the Department of Mineralogy, production of ferro-manganese alloy in the Department of Iron, Steel and Alloy Production, experimental production of high-quality silicon metal (metallurgical-grade silicon) to support solar panel manufacturing, and the trial production of ferro silicon.
The Deputy Minister then visited the staff housing units to inspect the completed repairs of those damaged by the earthquake. — MNA/TH
