MEAI National Conference: Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047

The Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI) Hyderabad Chapter hosted a highly successful National Conference focused on “Mining the Marvels: Way Forward Towards Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat 2047.” The event, which brought together leading industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, explored the role of the mining sector in India’s vision of self-reliance and national development.

The inaugural session was marked by the presence of several prominent figures, including Shri Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman-Cum-Managing Director (Additional Charge) of NMDC Ltd., as the Chief Guest. Also present were Shri D.B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President – I of MEAI & Vice President at Tata Steel; Shri Dr. N.K. Nanda, Former CMD & Director (Technical) of NMDC Ltd.; Shri B. Veera Reddy, Former Director (Technical) of CIL & Former CMD of CCL; G Dhananjaya Reddy, Vice President II of MEAI; and Shri Joydeep Dasgupta, Director (Production) of NMDC Ltd. The session was presided over by Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical) of NMDC Ltd. and Chairman of MEAI Hyderabad Chapter.

In his keynote address, Shri Amitava Mukherjee emphasized the mining sector’s pivotal role in India’s growth, particularly in enhancing social and economic conditions within rural communities. He acknowledged the challenge of attracting younger talent to the mining industry due to its remote operations and called on MEAI to actively engage students and professionals to explore mining careers. He also highlighted NMDC’s commitment to responsible mining practices, showcasing community-driven initiatives as part of their sustainable mining efforts. Mukherjee also addressed critical policy concerns, including India’s 100th ranking on the Fraser Index, and advocated for smoother regulations to attract foreign investments into the mining sector. He expressed appreciation for the Government of India’s efforts to advance exploration in critical minerals and improve mining technologies.

Shri Vinay Kumar, in his inaugural address, set the tone for the conference by focusing on the substantial progress made in India’s mining sector over the past decade. He discussed the current state of mining block allocations and how streamlined processes have significantly improved productivity. Kumar also underscored the importance of AI-driven database management in enhancing exploration efficiency and shared insights into government initiatives that promote startup culture and private sector involvement. Notably, he highlighted the employment potential of the mining industry, stating that it currently provides jobs for 1.3 million people and is expected to create an additional 1.5 million jobs by 2047. Kumar reaffirmed NMDC’s commitment to achieving a 100 MTPA output as part of the broader vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Keynote speakers and panelists, including Shri B. Veera Reddy, emphasized the importance of accelerating mineral exploration in India. Reddy noted that India lags behind global mining leaders and called for the integration of AI and machine learning to optimize exploration processes. He also advocated for the introduction of a single-window approval system to streamline administrative hurdles, which would boost the sector’s growth.

Shri D.B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President – I of MEAI, also stressed the importance of advancing self-reliance in critical minerals. He spoke about the necessity of exploring deep-sea minerals and using advanced technologies in mining, such as AI and machine learning, to ensure sustainable and efficient resource extraction. He further emphasized that policies supporting domestic mining and low-carbon mining methods, along with increased scrap utilization, were essential for achieving sustainability.

The technical sessions, an integral part of the conference, featured expert presentations on mining technologies, policy frameworks, and sustainability practices. The conference provided an opportunity for academia and industry leaders to collaborate, sharing knowledge and proposing innovative solutions for the mining sector’s challenges. A parallel exhibition, featuring prominent mining and steel companies like NMDC, JSW, and AN/MS, showcased innovations and advancements in mining technologies.

As part of the event, the MEAI Hyderabad Chapter also honored several stalwarts of the mining industry for their lifelong contributions. Recognized individuals included Shri B. Veera Reddy, Shri V. Laxminarayana, Shri Dr. N.K. Nanda, Shri B. Surender Mohan, Er. K J Amarnath, and Shri M. Fasihuddin, whose remarkable service to the industry has paved the way for mining excellence in India.

The first day of the conference concluded with thought-provoking discussions about the road ahead for India’s mining sector. With a focus on innovation, policy reforms, and sustainability, the conference reinforced the importance of the mining industry in driving national progress. The second day, February 15, will continue these discussions, with deeper dives into mining innovation, policy, and sustainability.

The MEAI Hyderabad Chapter’s National Conference has proven to be a vital platform for fostering collaboration between the industry and policymakers, setting the stage for a future where India’s mining sector plays a crucial role in the nation’s growth, particularly in its goal of becoming a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047.