'Odisha Metals & Mining Conference' by ASSOCHAM unfolds domestic mining market through industry experts

A conference titled 'Odisha Metals & Mining Conference' hosted by ASSOCHAM on Thursday, November 21, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, was aimed to encourage all stakeholders to explore the potential of the metals & mining sector for Sustainable & Inclusive Growth. Involving all the major stakeholders of India's metals and mining sector, the conference discussed various reforms needed to unfold the domestic mining sector's potentiality and achieve 'Viksit Bharat 2047', a visionary mission to transform India into a developed nation.

 Mr. Arun Kumar, Regional Controller of Mines, Indian Bureau of Mines, Government of India, graced the occasion and highlighted the Government's commitment towards sustainability and inclusive growth through local community development, zero emissions in mining operations, critical minerals exploration for transportation & new age technologies, beneficiation of low-grade ores and promoting skill development in skill centres of all mining zones in state and country.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Nitin Kale, member of ASSOCHAM National Council on Mines & Minerals and Senior Vice President of JSW Steel, stated: “Viksit Bharat encompasses various facets of development such as economic growth, environment sustainability, social progress, and good governance to make India a developed nation by 2047. He further added that the Mining Industry has a huge potential to contribute US$30 trillion to the economy by 2047 and an additional 25 million direct and indirect jobs, as expected. He also said that being a mineral-rich state, Odisha has allocated the highest-ever 48 mines for auction and is expected to host 200 MT of Steel production in future. Odisha State has also added revenue of about 46400 Cr in the year 2023- 2024.”

Mr S. K. Sarkar, Zonal Manager (East), BEML LIMITED, Kolkata, said: "The future of Indian metals & mining sector for Viksit Bharat 2047 lies in embracing sustainable and responsible mining practices by applying environmental compliance, reducing carbon emissions & conserving resources, leveraging advanced geological technique to explore deep-seated minerals through increased private sector participation and policy reforms. He further added that Indians can establish global leadership in critical minerals by developing supply chains and forging alliances with resource rich nations and driving transition to electric and green technologies to minimize carbon footprints. He further said Digital transformation has a key role in shaping the metals & mining industry through automation, AI and IoT to enhance productivity, optimise operations and boost global competitiveness."

Mr S K Singh, Executive Director, Sainik Mining & Allied Services Limited, said, 'Mining contributes significantly to India's GDP and Odisha's economy as this sector provides livelihoods for millions, especially in rural areas. Coal mining ensures energy self-sufficiency for India's growing economy. "

He further said, "By incorporating sustainable mining practices, enhancing workforce skills to meet industry demands, upgrading transportation networks for efficient mineral transportation and encouraging value-added industries to maximise mineral utilisation, will play a key role in mining sector transformation for Viksit Bharat 2047."

At the event, ASSOCHAM-ICRA released a joint knowledge report on the Odisha Metals & Mining Sector among eminent dignitaries.