The opening day of the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Global Investment Summit 2024 at JECC, Sitapura, showcased a pivotal thematic session titled “Sustainable Mining: Safeguarding the Future”. The session brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on eco-friendly mining practices, resource conservation, decarbonization, and the role of advanced technologies such as AI and renewable energy in reshaping the sector.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma, inaugurated the session alongside G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines, and Babu Lal Kharadi, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Tribal Area Development and Home Guard, Government of Rajasthan.
Highlighting Rajasthan’s strides in sustainable mining, Bhajan Lal Sharma said, “Our mining sector directly employs 35 lakh people. The recently introduced M-Sand Policy not only promotes environmental sustainability but also offers a viable alternative to traditional building materials. By easing eligibility norms, such as removing the three-year experience requirement, we aim to attract more investments under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024.”
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the critical role of self-reliance in minerals under Vision 2047. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, transformative reforms have unlocked the potential of India’s mineral sector. Rajasthan leads this effort, producing 52 of 82 commercial minerals, including critical resources like zinc and silver,” he remarked.
Commending the Rajasthan Minerals Policy 2024, Reddy noted its focus on critical mineral exploration and streamlined auction processes, which bolster resource security and sustainable mining practices.
T Ravikanth, Principal Secretary, Mines & Petroleum, Government of Rajasthan, outlined the state’s proactive measures, including the Sand Policy 2024, incentives for metal recovery, and initiatives like the Star Rating system for minor minerals to ensure sustainability.
The session featured discussions on advanced technologies such as AI-driven predictive analytics, autonomous mining vehicles, renewable energy integration, and mineral waste recycling. Experts also addressed decarbonization strategies and the development of sustainable social infrastructure.
Notable participants included Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Ltd.; Dr. Ranjit Rath, CMD, Oil India Ltd.; David Joseph Finn, GM, Head-HZL GEOTECH, Mining Operations; Andrew Hall, Director/CEO, Australian Mining Consultant; and Akshaydeep Mathur, Secretary General, Federation of Mining Associations of Rajasthan.
The dialogue reaffirmed Rajasthan’s position as a leader in sustainable mining, committed to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
