Technology is revolutionising mining operations by enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Sunil Gupta
COO, Vedanta Aluminium

What are the key opportunities you foresee in the Indian and global mining sectors in 2025 and beyond?

India’s mining sector is poised for significant transformation, driven by the increasing demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements that are essential for the global energy transition. In addition, the country is on a rapid growth trajectory that makes it imperative to unlock wider access to essential minerals such as iron ore and bauxite to fuel the nation’s expanding requirements. India, with its vast mineral reserves, is uniquely positioned to meet both domestic and international demand. Regulatory reforms, such as the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, present added opportunities for private sector participation and exploration. Additionally, advancements in automation and digitisation offers potential for the sector to enhance productivity and safety. Sustainability remains a key driver, with the industry focusing on decarbonisation and responsible resource management to align with global ESG commitments.

How is technology transforming mining operations? Could you share examples of advanced technologies adopted by your company to enhance productivity and sustainability?

Technology is revolutionising mining operations by enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability. For example, we are now using drone technology for detection and clearing processes during blasting operations at our mines sites, in addition to site assessment. The drones have helped enhance overall site safety, enabled the real-time collection and measurement of site data. We are also using GPS satellite tracking to monitor coal fleet movement from the pit to the stockyard and eliminate potential pilferage activities, thereby enhancing our logistics capabilities and safety compliance.

What steps is your company taking to ensure sustainable mining practices? How do you balance environmental concerns with operational efficiency?

At Vedanta Aluminium, sustainability is embedded into every facet of our operations. This approach is encapsulated in ‘Zero Harm, Zero Waste, Zero Discharge’, which guides our sustainability roadmap, focusing on energy conservation, resource efficiency, and biodiversity preservation. Towards minimising wastage and ensuring greater governance of our mining processes, we have developed an Operational Dashboard that facilitates data-driven decision-making. Designed and deployed entirely by our in-house teams, it provides insights into key mines parameters such as coal exposure and overburdening, time utilization of machines (TUM), dispatch and stock levels. By adopting cutting-edge technologies and fostering data monitoring based on first principles, we are ensuring efficient operations from the ground up.

What are the significant challenges currently faced by the mining industry, and what solutions do you propose to overcome them?

The mining industry faces several critical challenges, including maintaining the impetus towards environmental sustainability, a suitable talent pool to meet global demands, and regulatory complexities. Extended compliance processes can also create significant hurdles, leading to supply chain disruptions and hindering the timely execution of projects.

The global demand for minerals needed for the clean energy transition necessitates responsible and efficient mining practices, with a special focus on social and community impact as well. At Vedanta Aluminium, we address these aspects through innovation, deploying advanced technologies to optimise processes and reduce emissions. By engaging in afforestation efforts, we also strive to offset our environmental footprint. To tackle the skill shortage, a special focus on workforce development is crucial to build a skilled talent pool. We undertake regular technical workshops to ensure our teams stay updated with the latest developments in the sector.  Moreover, transparent stakeholder engagement and proactive collaboration with regulatory authorities further help us navigate the policy landscape effectively.

How do you perceive the current policy and regulatory environment for mining in India? What changes would you recommend to boost growth in the sector?

The evolving regulatory landscape has been instrumental in advancing the mining industry, with policy reforms such as the National Mineral Policy promoting transparency, attracting private investment, and encouraging sustainable practices. The introduction of offshore mining rights and new approaches to exploring critical and deep-seated mineral resources further enhances exploration opportunities.

These reforms not only boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports but also strengthen supply chain resilience.

However, further streamlining regulatory processes with a single-window clearance system, improving infrastructure, and offering incentives for sustainable mining practices would accelerate growth. Increasing mineral block sizes and optimizing auction processes are also essential for the sector’s sustainable development. Additionally, encouraging exploration through tax incentives and promoting public-private partnerships will help unlock India’s full mineral potential.

How is your company addressing the challenge of skill development and workforce training to meet the demands of modern mining operations?

Vedanta Aluminium is leveraging advanced digital technologies to create a level playing field for all individuals pursuing careers in manufacturing. The company is committed to fostering an inclusive environment by promoting gender-agnostic roles, ensuring every professional can excel. With one of the largest female workforces in India’s manufacturing sector, we are also making significant strides in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community by providing employment opportunities in areas like material handling and asset security. This commitment helps build sustainable livelihoods and reinforces our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Developing a future-ready workforce is key to our growth. Through initiatives like the ‘VeDakshata’ Skills Training Centre and partnerships with NABARD and the Skill Development Institute, we are equipping local youth with industry-relevant skills in areas such as electrical maintenance, automation, and sustainability. A key initiative, ‘Project Panchhi’, aims to empower 1,000 young girls from economically disadvantaged communities by providing opportunities for higher education and careers in the company’s diverse sectors, including metals and mining.

How can collaborations between mining companies, technology providers, and policymakers drive the growth of the industry?

The mining industry remains a bedrock of the manufacturing sector, with its future increasingly dictated by technological advancements that drive self-sufficiency and sustainable growth. Mining companies must therefore actively collaborate with technology providers to integrate tools like AI, automation, and digital twins to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. At the same time, a strong focus on sustainability is essential, with companies adopting eco-friendly practices to minimize environmental impact and reduce their carbon footprint.

Working closely with policymakers is essential to foster innovation, simplify regulatory processes, and develop the necessary infrastructure, such as railways, ports, and renewable energy facilities. These efforts will also address social and environmental concerns, making mining projects more inclusive and community focused. When the interests of all parties align, such partnerships can unlock the full potential of the mining sector, ensuring long-term viability and positive contributions to society, the environment, and the economy.