Unlocking Mineral Potential: Anil Agarwal's Call for Reform

Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal has raised concerns over obstacles that are stalling the operationalisation of mines, citing land acquisition challenges, delays in clearances, and high premiums as primary issues. He pushed for faster post-auction execution to enhance energy and mineral security in India.

Agarwal's call comes at a time of increasing global uncertainty, notably due to tensions in West Asia. He stressed the need for policy interventions to bolster domestic resource production, stating that 85% of auctioned mining blocks remain non-operational, contributing to India's significant reliance on imported resources.

He recommended a tech-enabled approach for land acquisition, streamlined approval processes, and capped premiums to ensure viability. Emphasizing the sector's potential to drive job creation, Agarwal expressed optimism about government support in achieving a self-reliant Bharat.