MEAI Hyderabad Chapter Concludes two-day National Conference on Mining the Minerals

Hyderabad: The Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI), Hyderabad Chapter successfully concluded the two-day National Conference on ‘Mining the Minerals: Way Forward Towards Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat 2047’. The second day featured a series of impactful deliberations on critical issues concerning the mining sector, its future policies and technological advancements.

The valedictory session was presided over by Shri V. Suresh, Director (Commercial), NMDC Ltd., who served as the Chief Guest for the occasion. Shri N. Balram, Chairman & Managing Director, SCCL, was the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished attendees included Shri B. Vishwanath, IRSS, Chief Vigilance Officer, NMDC Ltd.; Shri B. Surender Mohan, Former CMD, NLC India Ltd.; Shri A. K. Shukla, Former CMD, HCL; and Shri P.K. Satpathy, Former Director (Production), NMDC Ltd. who contributed to discussions on mining innovation, sustainability, and policy reforms.

The second day of the conference commenced with expert discussions on the impact of the MMDR Act, amendments in royalty structures, mining of minor minerals, and policy reforms shaping the sector’s future. Eminent speakers provided valuable insights into the legal and economic implications of regulatory frameworks and the necessary interventions to foster growth.

Technical sessions focused on the extraction of manganese and bauxite from waste or low-grade ores, ammonia beneficiation of low-grade iron ores and advancements in sustainable mining practices. Industry experts shared innovations that could drive efficiency and sustainability in mineral processing.

Shri Vinay Kumar Director (Technical)NMDC Ltd. & Chairman MEAI Hyderabad Chapter in his concluding remarks mentioned, “As we gather here at the conclusion of this remarkable national conference, I stand before you with a profound sense of gratitude and optimism. Over the past one and a half days, we have engaged in deep discussions, shared transformative ideas, and collectively envisioned the future of India’s mining sector for Viksit Bharat 2047.

As India approaches its 100th year of independence in 2047, the mining sector will play a pivotal role in driving self-reliance and economic growth. The conference began with an inaugural session, where industry leaders laid a strong foundation by emphasizing the need for policy reforms, increased exploration, sustainable mining, decarbonization, skill development, and attracting young talent. While India has long been dominant in bulk minerals, our focus must now expand to critical and minor minerals, where we lag behind many global economies. Without addressing this gap, achieving true mineral security will remain a challenge.

The MEAI conference stressed key industry-wide concerns, such as the need for policy reforms, decarbonization, automation, and AI-driven mining technologies. A significant point raised was the impact of "greenflation"—the rising commodity prices caused by the green energy transition—and how we must strategically position ourselves to maintain a balance between sustainability and affordability. We cannot afford to merely react to these challenges; we must proactively lead the global transition toward sustainable mining practices while ensuring economic competitiveness.”

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Addressing the conference, Shri V Suresh, Director (Commercial), NMDC Ltd. remarked, “India’s mining sector is the backbone of economic progress and will be pivotal in achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. Sustainable mining, technological innovation, skill development, policy reforms, and global partnerships will define the future of the industry. Our collective efforts will drive a self-reliant and environmentally responsible mining sector.”

Addressing the conference, Shri N. Balram, Chairman & Managing Director, SCCL, remarked, “India’s mining industry must evolve with innovation and sustainable policies to support national progress. Strengthening domestic mining capabilities is crucial to reducing dependency on imports and fostering economic resilience.”

Shri P.K. Satpathy, Former Director (Production), NMDC Ltd., stated, “The role of mining in ensuring India’s industrial and infrastructure growth cannot be overstated. By integrating advanced technology and responsible resource practices, we can unlock new opportunities in the critical mining sector as well.”

Shri A.K. Shukla, Former CMD, HCL, added, “Future-ready mining involves not only technological enhancements but also a strong focus on environmental responsibility and social commitment. We must work towards achieving global benchmarks in sustainability.”

Shri B. Surender Mohan, Former CMD, NLC India Ltd. Addressed the gathering and congratulated MEAI for taking initiatives to organise the National Seminar with a very relevant topic and a very right time.

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony recognizing the contributions of key professionals in the mining sector, acknowledging their role in driving innovation and sustainable practices. On the 2nd day of the event, MEAI Hyderabad Chapter honored Late S. K. Verma, Former Head of Project of DIOM Complex of NMDC Ltd.; Shri P. K. Satpathy, Former Director (Production) of NMDC; Shri A. K. Shukla, Former Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) Shri B. Ram Mohan, Former Regional Controller of Mines, Bangalore Region, Indian Bureau of Mines; Shri V Balakoti Reddy, Director BGR Mining & Infra Limited; for their invaluable contributions to the mining industry. 

Addressing the gathering on the first day of the event, Shri Joydeep Dasgupta, Director (Production), NMDC Ltd., emphasized, “The mining industry remains the backbone of national progress, playing a pivotal role in economic development. The Hyderabad Chapter’s efforts in bringing together industry stalwarts for knowledge exchange are commendable. At  NMDC, we are committed to expanding mining capacity while ensuring eco-friendly and sustainable operations. Encouraging young talent to join the mining sector is crucial for India’s future growth.”

Dr S K Sinha, Head Mine Planning & Chief of ISO NMDC Ltd. presented the summary report of the National Seminar and few key takeaways of the National Seminar for Mining in India’s Future are: -

1. Sustainable Mining Practices

One of the most pressing concerns in the mining sector today is sustainability. As we extract valuable minerals from the earth, we must be equally mindful of the environmental impact. The future of mining must be rooted in practices that promote ecological balance and minimize degradation. Implementing cutting-edge technologies, such as automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, will help us improve efficiency while reducing waste and energy consumption. We must also prioritize reclamation and rehabilitation of mined lands and ensure that water and air quality standards are met.

2. Technological Innovation and Research

As India strives to become a global leader in mining, we must focus on innovation. The mining sector in India must embrace modern technologies like automation, AI, machine learning, and robotics to improve productivity and safety in mining operations. With advancements in exploration techniques, we can unlock untapped mineral reserves, including rare earth elements, which are critical for green technologies and electronic goods. By investing in research and development, we can introduce innovative methods to extract minerals more efficiently and with less environmental impact.

3. Skilled Workforce Development

No sector can thrive without skilled human capital. As we look toward a Bikshit Bharat, we need to invest in skill development and training programs for our mining workforce. This involves equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills required to manage sophisticated mining operations and apply the latest technologies. India must establish world-class training institutes and collaborate with international players to ensure that the workforce is not only job-ready but also future-ready.

4. Policy Reforms and Regulatory Framework

A clear and supportive policy environment is essential for fostering growth in the mining sector. The National Mineral Policy, which aims to address regulatory challenges and encourage responsible mining, is an important step forward. However, further reforms are needed to simplify the licensing process, increase transparency, and ensure fair distribution of mineral resources. A stable and transparent regulatory framework will provide greater investor confidence and promote private sector participation in the mining industry. Additionally, we must ensure that mining activities benefit local communities, with special attention to land rights, environmental safeguards, and corporate social responsibility.

5. Global Partnerships and Trade

As we progress towards 2047, India’s mining sector must strengthen its global partnerships. The world is becoming more interdependent, and our mineral resources will continue to be in high demand for industries such as electronics, renewable energy, and infrastructure. By fostering international collaborations, India can enhance its access to global markets, develop strategic mineral reserves, and attract foreign investment into the mining sector. Our trade relations must evolve to make India a key supplier of not only minerals but also mining expertise and technology.

Minerals are not just raw materials; they are the building blocks of our future economy. Whether it’s the steel industry, which powers infrastructure development, the energy sector, which is driving the transition to renewable energy, or the technology industry, which depends on rare earth minerals, mining has a direct link to every aspect of modern life. For a Bikshit Bharat, we must ensure that our mining sector contributes to the nation’s development in a balanced and sustainable manner. By focusing on the areas mentioned above, we will be able to fuel economic growth, create jobs, ensure energy security, and promote a cleaner, greener future.

India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, as announced at COP26, further underscores the importance of sustainable mining. The minerals needed for clean energy technologies—such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel for batteries, or copper and aluminum for electrical infrastructure—must be sourced responsibly to support our green goals.

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The discussions and insights gathered during the conference highlighted the importance of sustainable mining practices, technological innovation, workforce development, policy reforms and global collaborations. Responsible resource management and the adoption of AI-driven technologies emerged as essential factors for modernizing the mining industry. Emphasis was placed on skill development to prepare the workforce for future challenges. Regulatory simplifications and transparent policies were recognized as key enablers for growth. Strengthening international partnerships will position India as a global leader in the mining sector. With a collective commitment from industry leaders and policymakers, the conference set the roadmap for achieving a resilient, self-sufficient and sustainable mining industry on the line of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

In conclusion, the mining sector in India is at the crossroads of tremendous opportunity. As we move towards Bikshit Bharat 2047, it is imperative that we harness our mineral wealth in a way that benefits the nation, the environment, and future generations. This seminar has provided us with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead, and I am confident that with the collective effort of the government, industry leaders, and citizens, we will be able to achieve the vision of a prosperous, self-reliant, and sustainable India.

Let us take inspiration from National Seminar and work together, hand in hand, to unlock the full potential of India’s mining sector and pave the way for a brighter, greener, and more prosperous future.

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