Subhechcha Ganguly 
Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand is a distinguished figure in the realm of Indian mining, revered as both an esteemed industry veteran and a prolific author. Currently serving as the President of Vedanta Limited, the foremost producer of aluminum in India, his expertise and influence are widely acknowledged. Prior to this role, Dr. Chand held the prestigious positions of Chairman and Managing Director at the National Aluminum Company (NALCO), which stands as Asia’s largest integrated aluminum unit and one of the most substantial aluminium complexes globally. Moreover, his illustrious career encompasses pivotal roles as the Director Commercial of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)/Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, as well as the Director Personnel and Director (Sales & Marketing) at Central Coalfields Limited (CCL). As the famous American author John C. Maxwell once wrote: “Success is… knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.”
Immersed in the mining and metal sector since 1982, Dr. Chand has indubitably made profound contributions to its growth and development. His academic prowess includes a Bachelor of Arts in history, complemented by a Master’s degree in arts, public administration, and history from Utkal University. Furthermore, he possesses a bachelor’s degree in law from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, and a diploma in social welfare (labor welfare) from the University of Calcutta. Notably, he graduated as a gold medalist from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, and even held the esteemed position of student president at the university in 1981. Recognizing his remarkable achievements, the Utkal University honored him with an Honoris Causa D.Litt., paying tribute to his significant contributions to nation building during the university’s 47th convocation
Dr. Chand’s visionary approach and strategic acumen have been instrumental in initiating and implementing numerous innovative endeavors throughout his career. Several notable achievements stand out among his accomplishments, including the renegotiation of contracts with suppliers at NALCO, resulting in a remarkable 20% reduction in procurement costs, saving the company nearly Rs 100 crores. His persuasive prowess successfully convinced the board to incorporate mining into NALCO’s vision plan, leading to the announcement of substantial investments of $10 billion for various projects, including the establishment of a greenfield aluminium smelter overseas. Additionally, his expertise in the field of human resources yielded a transformative work culture, organizational restructuring, and other notable advancements at RINL, which merited him the esteemed Jawaharlal Nehru Award for outstanding executive performance. His success is akin to a master craftsman, slowly shaping and honing his work until it is a masterpiece worthy of admiration.
Furthermore, Dr. Chand played a pivotal role in the operationalization of three coal blocks secured by Vedanta through auction in Odisha, resulting in an annual coal production of 18 million tons and a bauxite security of 22 million tons per annum. He also spearheaded the establishment of the Jharsuguda Aluminum Park in Odisha and the Aluminum Park in Chhattisgarh, aimed at fostering the growth of local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). His efforts in ensuring the complete raw material security for NALCO included securing lease extensions for the Panchpatpali Bauxite mines, as well as the allocation of Pattangi Bauxite mines and Coal blocks. These initiatives were instrumental in ensuring that NALCO had access to all the necessary raw materials, as well as providing the opportunity for local MSMEs to benefit from a secure and reliable source of input. This enabled the company to lower its costs and provide a stable supply of aluminum to its customers.
Dr. Chand’s exceptional leadership and invaluable expertise have earned him several prestigious positions and accolades. Notably, he has been elected as the Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Odisha State Council, further cementing his influential role in shaping industry policy and direction Additionally, he holds the esteemed positions of Chairman of the Aluminum Association of India and Independent Director of BALCO. His insightful contributions extend beyond his professional endeavors, as he has authored several noteworthy books on mining, metal, and management, such as ‘Aluminium: The Strategic Metal,’ ‘Mining Challenges of the 21st century.
