MEAI Hyderabad Chapter concludes National Conference

The Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI), Hyderabad Chapter successfully concluded the two-day National Conference on ‘Mining the Minerals: Way Forward Towards Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat 2047’. The second day featured a series of impactful deliberations on critical issues concerning the mining sector, its future policies and technological advancements. The valedictory session was presided over by V Suresh, Director (Commercial), NMDC Ltd., who served as the Chief Guest for the occasion. N Balram, Chairman & Managing Director, SCCL, was the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished attendees included B Vishwanath, IRSS, Chief Vigilance Officer, NMDC Ltd.; B Surender Mohan, Former CMD, NLC India Ltd.; A K Shukla, Former CMD, HCL; and P K Satpathy, Former Director (Production), NMDC Ltd. who contributed to discussions on mining innovation, sustainability, and policy reforms. The second day of the conference commenced with expert discussions on the impact of the MMDR Act,  amendments in royalty structures, mining of minor minerals, and policy reforms shaping the sector’s future. Eminent speakers provided valuable insights into the legal and economic implications of regulatory frameworks and the necessary interventions to foster growth. Technical sessions focused on the extraction of manganese and bauxite from waste or low-grade ores, ammonia beneficiation of low-grade iron ores and advancements in sustainable mining practices. Industry experts shared innovations that could drive efficiency and sustainability in mineral processing. Vinay Kumar Director (Technical)NMDC Ltd. & Chairman MEAI Hyderabad Chapter in his concluding remarks mentioned, “As we gather here at the conclusion of this remarkable national conference, I stand before you with a profound sense of gratitude and optimism. Over the past one and a half days, we have engaged in deep discussions, shared transformative ideas, and collectively envisioned the future of India’s mining sector for Viksit Bharat 2047. As India approaches its 100th year of independence in 2047, the mining sector will play a pivotal role in driving self-reliance and economic growth. The conference began with an inaugural session, where industry leaders laid a strong foundation by emphasizing the need for policy reforms, increased exploration, sustainable mining, decarbonization, skill development, and attracting young talent. While India has long been dominant in bulk minerals, our focus must now expand to critical and minor minerals, where we lag behind many global economies. Without addressing this gap, achieving true mineral security will remain a challenge. The MEAI conference stressed key industry-wide concerns, such as the need for policy reforms, decarbonization, automation, and AI-driven mining technologies. A significant point raised was the impact of greenflation & the rising commodity prices caused by the green energy transition—and how we must strategically position ourselves to maintain a balance between sustainability and affordability. We cannot afford to merely react to these challenges; we must proactively lead the global transition toward sustainable mining practices while ensuring economic competitiveness.”