HYDERABAD, FEBRUARY 16, 2025: The Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI), Hyderabad Chapter successfully hosted the first day of a two-day National Conference on the theme “Mining the Minerals: Way Forward Towards Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat 2047.” The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers and experts to deliberate on the future of the mining sector and its role in India’s journey towards self-reliance.
The inaugural session was graced by Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman-Cum-Managing Director (Additional Charge), NMDC Ltd., as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included D.B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President – I, MEAI & Vice President, Tata Steel; Dr. N.K. Nanda, Former CMD (Additional Charge) & Director (Technical), NMDC Ltd.; B. Veera Reddy, Former Director (Technical), CIL & Former CMD, CCL; G Dhananjaya Reddy, Vice President II, MEAI and Joydeep Dasgupta, Director (Production), NMDC Ltd. The event was presided over by Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), NMDC Ltd. and Chairman, MEAI Hyderabad Chapter.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme of the seminar, Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Addl. Charge), NMDC, said, “The role of mining in national development is crucial. He spoke about how the mining industry can bring social and economic impact in the communities. He emphasized the challenges of attracting young talent due to the remote nature of mining operations and urged MEAI to encourage students and professionals to consider careers in mining. Mr Amitava Mukherjee also highlighted NMDC’s commitment to Responsible Mining and spreading smiles through its community initiatives, setting industry standards as a leader in sustainable mining practices. He also resonated that it would be imperative to have a long term perspective to gain significant goals in the mining industry as it takes more than a decade, globally, to set up and generate thought-provoking revenues. Shri Mukherjee addressed policy challenges including India’s 100th ranking on the Fraser Index and the need for smoother policies to attract foreign direct investment. He stressed the importance of supporting local mining corporations to lower administrative costs and enhance resource utilization. Concluding his speech, he praised GoI’s ongoing efforts to improve exploration in critical minerals and technological advancements in mining, emphasizing the need for sustainability and innovation in the industry.”
Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), NMDC Ltd. and Chairman, MEAI Hyderabad Chapter, in his inaugural address, set the tone for the conference by outlining the progress made in India’s mining sector over the past decade. He provided insights into the current status of mining block allocations and how expedited processes are boosting productivity. He highlighted the role of AI-driven database management in improving exploration efficiency and discussed government initiatives aimed at fostering startups and private sector participation. Shri Vinay Kumar, also emphasized the employment potential of the mining industry, stating that it currently engages around 1.3 million professionals and has the potential to generate an additional 1.5 million jobs by 2047. He reaffirmed NMDC’s commitment to responsible mining and its strategic partnerships aimed at achieving 100 MTPA as part of the vision for Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat 2047.
Mr B. Veera Reddy, Former Director (Technical), CIL & Former CMD, CCL emphasized the urgent need to accelerate mineral exploration in India, citing how the country lags behind global mining leaders. He advocated for AI-driven data analysis and machine learning to improve exploration planning and highlighted the necessity of a single-window approval system to streamline administrative processes.
Mr D.B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President – I , MEAI & & Vice President, Tata Steel commended NMDC for instituting the NMDC CMD Excellence Award and spoke on the need for deep-sea exploration and self-reliance in critical minerals. He stressed the importance of policies that enhance domestic mining while encouraging low-carbon mining and increased scrap utilization for sustainability.
Director Production, NMDC, Joydeep Dasgupta reminded the audience of the crucial role that Mining industry plays in building the growth story of the nation. He stressed on the fact that Mining and Mining industry has always been the keystone as an economic driver. He also praised the Hyderabad chapter for bringing all the stalwarts of the field on the same platform to share and exchange ideas and debate on topics for a better tomorrow. He graciously saluted the Mining warriors of the country who has sacrificed so much on personal front to put the nation’s name on the progress map. He asked for the MEAI to encourage the young minds so that the nation can receive their services in the relevant mining fields.
The conference also featured technical sessions with expert presentations from academia and industry, focusing on key advancements in mining technologies, policy frameworks, and sustainability initiatives. Additionally, an exhibition featuring leading mining and steel companies, including NMDC, AN/MS, JSW, and NMDC Steel was organized alongside the conference.
The MEAI Hyderabad Chapter also recognized the contributions of stalwarts in the mining sector on the first day of the event by honoring Shri B. Veera Reddy, Former Director (Technical), Coal India Limited, Kolkata and Former CMD, Central Coalfields Limited, Ranchi, Shri V. Laxminarayana, Dy. Director General, DGMS, Dr. N.K. Nanda, Former CMD(Additional Charge) and Director Technical, NMDC, Shri B. Surender Mohan, Former CMD, NLC India Limited, Er. K J Amarnath, Former CGM, SCCL and Shri M. Fasihuddin, Resident Director, Tata Steel Mines, for their invaluable service to the industry.
The first day concluded with insightful discussions on the road ahead for India’s mining sector, reinforcing the industry’s role in national progress. The conference will continue on February 15 with further deliberations on critical aspects of mining innovation, policy, and sustainability.
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