CSIR-NIIST has developed an environmentally friendly process for producing high-grade synthetic rutile from low-grade ilmenite, a natural mineral used globally for making pigment-grade TiO2 and titanium metal. This innovative technology features superior pollution control measures and advanced processing techniques, resulting in high-quality synthetic rutile. Successfully demonstrated in collaboration with two private industries, the process has handled approximately 700 metric tons of ilmenite, yielding 570 metric tons of metallized ilmenite and 130 metric tons of synthetic rutile. The process conditions are tailored to ensure compatibility with various grades of Indian ilmenite, making it adaptable for widespread application in titanium dioxide production. This technology presents significant market potential both domestically and globally, offering Indian industries the opportunity to upgrade ilmenite to contain over 90% TiO2, thus meeting increasing domestic demand and enhancing the mineral's value substantially.