Interview Times 
FEATURE: Leadership in the mining and metal industry is not just about overseeing operations; it is about envisioning the future and steering an organization towards it with unwavering commitment. Shri Brijendra Pratap Singh, the newly appointed Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), is the kind of leader who embodies this principle. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the steel and mining sector, he steps into his new role with the promise of transformation, innovation, and strategic expansion.
His appointment at NALCO marks a significant moment for India’s aluminum industry, given his proven track record of modernizing and optimizing large-scale industrial operations. As someone who has played an integral role in shaping India’s steel sector, his leadership is expected to propel NALCO into an era of greater operational excellence and sustainability.
Shri Singh’s academic journey is a testament to his commitment to technical excellence and managerial acumen. He graduated in Mining Machinery Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dhanbad (formerly ISM Dhanbad) in 1989 and later earned an MBA in Marketing. This rare combination of technical expertise and business insight positioned him uniquely to take on leadership roles in India’s competitive mining and metal industries.
His professional journey began in 1989 at the Iron Ore Mine of Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), a part of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). This initial experience in frontline mining operations provided him with deep insights into the intricacies of the industry, shaping his strategic approach toward operational excellence. His years at BSP laid the foundation for his leadership style, one that balances technical proficiency with a keen understanding of market dynamics.
Over the years, Shri Singh ascended through the ranks at SAIL, taking on key responsibilities at various integrated steel plants. His journey saw him managing critical aspects of mining, blast furnace operations, sinter plants, maintenance, and overall plant operations. His expertise was crucial in modernizing the plants and aligning them with the evolving needs of the industry.
During his tenure at SAIL, he held leadership positions at Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL), Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP), and IISCO Steel Plant (ISP). As Director-In-Charge of Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plants, he played a pivotal role in enhancing production efficiency, optimizing operational workflows, and ensuring sustainability in production processes. His ability to spearhead modernization efforts and align them with the National Steel Policy was instrumental in driving SAIL’s growth.
His contributions as a Board Member of SAIL reflected his ability to lead large organizations and implement reforms that had far-reaching impacts. Under his leadership, SAIL saw improvements in production capabilities, infrastructure expansion, and sustainable development strategies, all of which contributed to strengthening India’s steel sector.
Taking charge as CMD of NALCO, Shri Singh is set to apply his vast industry knowledge and strategic vision to further the company’s mission. NALCO, a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Mines, is a key player in India’s aluminium industry, known for its excellence in bauxite mining, alumina refining, and aluminium production. With India’s growing focus on self-reliance in mineral production, Shri Singh’s leadership comes at a crucial time.
His appointment signals a new chapter for NALCO, one that is expected to bring significant advancements in expansion projects, operational efficiency, and sustainability initiatives. With the global aluminium industry facing challenges related to raw material availability, carbon footprints, and technological advancements, his experience in integrating modern solutions with traditional mining operations will be invaluable in keeping NALCO ahead of the curve.
Shri Singh is expected to focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance production efficiency while ensuring that environmental considerations remain a priority. Given his past track record of implementing modernization programs at SAIL, it is anticipated that he will bring a similar approach to NALCO, reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in the global metals market.
Shri Singh’s appointment comes at a time when India is making significant strides toward becoming a global powerhouse in metal and mineral production. With the government emphasizing the need for sustainability, technological innovation, and resource efficiency, his leadership at NALCO will play a critical role in shaping the company’s future trajectory.
His vision extends beyond short-term gains. He is expected to focus on long-term strategies that will ensure NALCO remains competitive in the global market while contributing to India’s economic growth. His expertise in handling large-scale mining and metal production will be crucial in achieving these objectives.
Beyond production and expansion, Shri Singh is also likely to emphasize the importance of workforce development. Having worked across multiple integrated steel plants, he understands the significance of nurturing talent and ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the changing industry landscape. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to excellence.
For Shri Brijendra Pratap Singh, the journey is far from over—it has only just begun. His career stands as a beacon of dedication, perseverance, and transformative leadership. His contributions to SAIL have already left an indelible mark on India’s steel sector, and his tenure at NALCO is expected to have an equally profound impact.
Under his leadership, NALCO is poised to scale new heights, ensuring that India continues to be a dominant force in the global aluminium industry. His ability to drive change while maintaining stability makes him a formidable leader, one who is set to shape not just the company but the industry at large.
As he takes NALCO into a new era, his story serves as an inspiration for the next generation of industry leaders, proving that with vision and determination, one can shape not just a company, but an entire industry.
