Thematic Session at “Rising Rajasthan” Global Investment Summit 2024 Focusses on Sustainable Mining

Jaipur :  On the inaugural day of the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Global Investment Summit 2024, a thematic session on sustainable mining was organized at JECC, Sitapura. The session titled ‘Sustainable Mining: Safeguarding the Future’ brought together experts and policymakers to discuss trends and issues around resource conservation, decarbonization and role of eco-friendly practices, AI-driven innovations, and renewable energy in reshaping the mining sector.

The session was held in the august presence of Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Government of India and Shri Babu Lal Kharadi, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Tribal Area Development and Home Guard, Government of Rajasthan.

Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan said, “Currently, our mining sector provides direct employment to around 35 lakh people. We have also issued a new M-Sand policy that is not only environmentally friendly but also provides an alternative for high-quality building materials. Under this policy, we have relaxed the eligibility for establishing units by removing the three-year experience requirement and the condition of a three-crore turnover, which was previously a constraint.”

“To encourage these units, provisions have also been made for benefits under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024,” he added.

Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Government of India said, “Achieving self-reliance in minerals is a key priority under Vision 2047, and the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has introduced transformative reforms in the minerals sector, increasing production and enabling states to unlock their full potential.”

“Rajasthan, as a leader in mineral extraction and mining technology, is at the forefront of India’s mineral security. The state produces 52 out of 82 commercial minerals and is the only one producing critical minerals like zinc and silver, underscoring its importance to the nation’s resource landscape,” added Shri Reddy.

Appreciating the Rajasthan’s Minerals Policy 2024, which emphasizes the exploration of critical minerals and streamlines the auction process, he said, “This progressive approach will strengthen resource security and drive sustainable exploration, aligning with India’s vision for a self-reliant and resource-secure future.”

Shri T Ravikanth, Principal Secretary, Mines & Petroleum, Government of Rajasthan said, “Rajasthan has implemented several policies to conserve natural resources under a sustainable mining framework, including the Sand Policy 2024, Star Rating for Minor Minerals, and incentives for metal recovery from tailings.”

Discussions during the session revolved around advanced technologies and practices aimed at minimizing the ecological footprint of mining.

Panelists emphasized innovations such as AI-driven predictive analytics, autonomous mining trucks, renewable energy integration, and recycling of mineral waste.

The dialogue also addressed decarbonization initiatives, resource conservation, and sustainable social infrastructure development.

Eminent personalities attending the event included Shri Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Ltd & Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd.; Dr. Ranjit Rath, Chairman & Managing Director, Oil India Ltd.; Shri David Joseph Finn, GM, Head-HZL GEOTECH, Mining Operations; Shri Andrew Hall, Director/CEO, Australian Mining Consultant and Shri Akshaydeep Mathur, Secretary General, Federation of Mining Associations of Rajasthan.