Press Release

Mining Sector an Integral Part of India’s Energy Security and Growth Trajectory: Ajay Tewari, IAS

The Minerals and Mining Conclave spotlighted the mining sector’s strategic importance in energy security, critical minerals, and Net Zero targets.

“Assam is a mineral-rich state with rare earths and critical minerals found across the region. With peace returning after 30 years, areas that were once unapproachable or unthinkable are now accessible. 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 the Government of Assam, Department of Home, Mines and Minerals, Government of Assam, at the 3rd Edition of the Minerals and Mining Conclave 2025, organized 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 on India’s growth trajectory. The mining sector is an integral part of India's energy security, and we must 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 to stop and close thermal power plants. However, we are following a trajectory and will continue with our thermal power stations. We have already announced 500 gigawatts of renewable energy sources and will install brownfield thermal power stations up to 75 gigawatts by 2040. The requirement for energy is huge. We cannot meet that requirement from 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 a very good ecosystem as far as bulk minerals are concerned, and everything is in place. However, regarding the most talked-about commodities at this moment—rare earths and rare metals—there is still much work to be done. 50% of GSI’s exploration projects are focused on rare earths and rare metals, which are vital for EVs and clean energy technologies. We have excellent prospects in Assam, West Bengal, and the North East, where G2 stage exploration is ongoing. We may not have every mineral in this part of the world, so we may have to engage in bartering with other countries.”

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 for 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 faces the dual imperative of accelerating economic growth while ensuring sustainability and reducing the environmental and social costs associated with mineral extraction. Sustainability is now a business imperative, and the future lies in 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 shaping India’s mineral journey in line with global needs and national priorities. “With 3% direct and about 7% indirect contribution to our GDP, mining has always been the backbone of the economy. We stand at a decisive moment when critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, titanium, and rare earths will decide how we power clean energy, electrical mobility, digital industries, and strategic technologies,” he said.