“We need to double the production of minerals in the next few years in India and at the same time reduce import dependency by allocating and regulating minerals transparently and sustainably”, said Ms Nirupama Kotru, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Coal & Mines.
“We also need to balance economic development sustainably and also to diversify our energy basket. Some of the goals of the ministry are incentivizing exploration via private sector participation; ensure zero waste mining and, encouraging sustainable mining, she said at a Virtual Odisha Mining Summit organized by PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).
The Ministry of Coal and Mines has the vision of a modern, sustainable, competitive coal sector enabling accelerated coal production ensuring energy security and economic growth, Ms Kotru said.
Ms Kotru opined that we need to reduce demand-supply imbalance and import dependence; modernize and upgrade technology to improve sustainability and at the same time provide ease of doing business and leverage social and environmental responsibility plans. She lauded the diligent efforts of the industry in making the mining sector grow and prosper even during the times of the pandemic and hoped that this effort would continue to drive the country in the times to come.
Mr V R Sharma, Managing Director, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd discussed the ease of doing business available in Odisha but the need for more reforms that will help to sustain the industry in the long run.
Mr Ritabrata Ghosh, Assistant Vice President, and Sector Head, Corporate Sector Ratings, ICRA Limited deliberated upon the role of the mining industry in powering Odisha’s economic development; mineralogical map of Odisha and key reforms implemented by central government and the government of Odisha in the mining sector. He emphasized that focusing on infrastructure can lead to growth to accelerate demand; coal gasification will be the new growth driver for the mining sector and, Odisha will emerge as a hub for the export of coal by commercial miners.
Mr Vijay Jhanwar, Managing Director, Vraj Metaliks Pvt Ltd mentioned that there was a need to increase the production of iron ore, improving the bidding methodologies, and support merchant mining.
Mr Pradeep Multani, Sr Vice President, PHDCCI spoke about the rich mineral resources in Odisha, and said that the availability of huge minerals reserves has opened up immense possibilities for locating mineral-based industries in the State for the manufacture of Steel, Ferro-alloys, Cement, Alumina/ Aluminum, Refractories, Thermal Power, etc., along with setting up other auxiliary and ancillary downstream industries. He also lauded the efforts undertaken by the Union Government and Odisha for improving the Ease of Doing Business in this sector and more reforms in the industry.
Mr Anil Chaudhary, Chairman, Minerals & Metals Committee, PHDCCI, talking about the importance of Odisha for the mining sector in terms of procuring the iron ore, mentioned that there is an increase in the export of iron ore in the country but there is a lack of raw materials. He suggested that there is a need to increase production, start early production of newly auctioned mining blocks and improve the infrastructure and transportation.
