Mining Sector an Integral Part of India’s Energy Security and Growth Trajectory: Ajay Tewari, IAS
Kolkata, 11th July: “Assam is a mineral rich state with rare earths and critical minerals being found in the state. With peace returning after 30 years, areas which were unapproachable earlier, or unthinkable, are now free. During the Advantage Assam Investment Summit, 14 MOUs were signed in the mining sector alone and the government is working to turn these potentials into reality.” said Mr Ajay Tewari, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Assam, Department of Home, Mines and Minerals, Government of Assam at the 3rd Edition of Minerals and Mining Conclave 2025 organised by ASSOCHAM.
Delving into India’s quest for minerals and development goals, Mr Tewari said, “The world was expecting India to be Net Zero by 2050 or 2060, but we were clear that we cannot compromise with India’s growth trajectory. Mining sector is an integral part of India’s energy security and we have to become a developed country in a sustainable manner. The Hon’ble Prime Minister has set the goal for Viksit Bharat by 2047 and Net Zero by 2070.”
“At Davos, there was pressure from G7 countries that we should stop and foreclose the thermal power plants but we are going through a trajectory and will continue with our thermal power stations. We have already announced 500 gigawatts of renewable sources and will install brown-field thermal power stations up to 75 gigawatts by 2040. The requirement of energy is huge. We cannot meet up that requirement from the renewable sources alone.” he added.
Addressing the Conclave, Mr Asit Saha, Director General, Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines, Government of India said, “India has got a very good ecosystem as far as these bulk minerals are concerned and everything is in place, but as regards the most talked about commodities at this moment, the rare earths and rare metals, there is a lot to be done. 50% of GSI’s exploration projects are focused on rare earths and rare metals, vital for EVs and clean energy technologies. We have got a very good prospect in Assam, West Bengal and the North East where G2 stage exploration is going on. We are not going to have every mineral in this part of the earth, may have to go for bartering with other countries and other in the world.”
Dr Pukhraj Nenival, Controller of Mines (East Zone), Indian Bureau of Mines, Ministry of Mines, Government of India said, “Global electrification, digitalization and urbanization demand a tenfold surge in mineral extraction, particularly critical minerals. Our mineral and mining sector is no longer a support function, rather it is a strategic pillar for energy security, infrastructure and green industrialization. The mining sector is faced with a dual imperative of accelerating economic growth and to ensure sustainability, reducing the environmental and social costs associated with mineral extraction. Sustainability is a business imperative and the future is low carbon mining using renewable power operations, electrical fleets and green hydrogen.”
Mr Sanjiv Ganeriwala, Chairman, Mining Sub Council East, ASSOCHAM, welcoming the delegates at the conclave reflected on the shared commitment to shape India’s mineral journey in line with global needs and national priorities. “With 3% direct and about 7% contribution to our GDP, mining has always been a backbone of the economy. We stand at a decisive moment when critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, titanium, rare earths will decide how we power clean energy, electrical mobility, digital industries and strategic technologies.” he said.