Saishree Priyadarshini 
India’s mining sector today stands at a rare intersection of scale and sustainability. Under proactive policy leadership and structural reforms, the sector has not only delivered record-breaking output but has also begun embedding environmental responsibility and community welfare into its core. At a time when global energy partnerships are being reshaped—particularly under President Trump’s renewed emphasis on strategic energy alliances—India’s mining reforms align seamlessly with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the long-term roadmap of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Record-Breaking Performance with Purpose
FY25 marked a watershed moment for Indian mining. Iron ore production surged by 4.3% to 289 million metric tonnes (MMT), accounting for nearly 70% of total mineral value. Coal production crossed the historic milestone of 1,047 MMT—an almost 5% year-on-year increase—resulting in a 7.9% reduction in coal imports and foreign exchange savings of USD 7.93 billion as of December 31, 2025.
Addressing the Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir on November 19, 2025, Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, attributed these achievements to systematic mine closure planning, efficient utilisation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds, and transparent, time-bound auctions. Mining, he emphasised, is no longer just a resource sector—it is a foundational pillar for India’s development ambitions.
Odisha: Setting the National Benchmark
Odisha has emerged as India’s most compelling case study in sustainable mining governance. The state recently auctioned eight major mineral blocks and issued tenders for twelve more, reinforcing investor confidence while decisively curbing illegal mining through the Odisha Minerals Rules, 2025.
Speaking at the National Mineral Chintan Shivir–2026 in Gandhinagar on January 9, 2026, Odisha’s Steel and Mines Minister Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Jena highlighted the Odisha Mineral Policy and Transparency System (OMPTS)–2025 as a breakthrough in accountability, digital monitoring, and sustainable resource utilisation.
The Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), which completed 70 years on May 15, 2025, demonstrated how legacy PSUs can evolve sustainably—reopening the Dubuna mine with a 3 MMT annual capacity, commissioning a 900 kWp solar plant at Koida, and planting over nine million trees. These efforts complement OMC’s expanded CSR initiatives in education and healthcare, all anchored in CSIR-NEERI’s scientific carrying-capacity studies.
Reforms Driving the National Transition
At the national level, institutional reforms are reshaping the mining lifecycle. The Coal Controller Organisation’s RECLAIM and LIVES frameworks—launched in July and September 2025—have introduced structured, community-inclusive mine closure and post-mining land use across 35 projects.
The MMDR Amendment Act, 2025 enabled coal exchanges from September 1, 2025, enhancing transparency and market efficiency. Meanwhile, coal PSUs commissioned 2,076 MW of solar power by December 2025 and are targeting 22.5 GW by FY30. CSR expenditure rose by 31% to ₹885.44 crore, focusing on livelihoods, skilling, and infrastructure. Special attention is also being given to the Northeast, with ₹10 crore allocated per state for sustainable mining monitoring systems.
The Road Ahead: Technology, Circularity, and Inclusion
The next leap in sustainable mining must be technology-led. AI-enabled Integrated Command and Control Centres—already piloted by Coal India—should be scaled nationwide for real-time safety, logistics, and environmental monitoring. The Critical Minerals Mission 2025 must accelerate exploration and auction of over 100 blocks to secure clean energy supply chains.
Circular economy practices are gaining traction, with overburden-to-M-sand plants and low-grade ore beneficiation R&D led by IMMT Bhubaneswar. Odisha can further consolidate leadership by linking all high-capacity SOTM-1 mines (≥5 MTPA) to rail and conveyor networks by 2027, significantly reducing road congestion and dust pollution.
A Practical Scorecard for Mining Companies
To institutionalise sustainability, mining firms should adopt a transparent annual audit scorecard inspired by Tata Steel’s ISO 14001-certified practices and national CCO frameworks:
Category
Key Actions
Outcome Metrics
Environment
Water fogging, biodiversity plans
Zero dust exceedance; 10% land reclaimed annually
Community
25% escrow for livelihoods, eco-parks
80% local employment; 500+ skilled annually
Technology
AAQ monitors, OB to M-sand/solar
70% rail transport; 20% renewable energy
Closure & CSR
LIVES plans, just transition funds
Full compliance; ₹50 crore+ CSR spend
Transparency
OMPTS & CIMS reporting
100% digital tracking; quarterly audits
Expert Perspective
As noted in an EY sectoral report, “Sustainable mining is the art of balancing ecological integrity with economic growth through collaboration and innovation.” Echoing this, Odisha Governor Shri Hari Babu Kambhampati stressed in March 2025 that conservation and community welfare must advance together. Tata Steel’s century-long mining legacy demonstrates that sustainability is not a constraint—it is a competitive advantage
