Jaipur, Dec 9 : A special session on sustainable mining was held on Monday at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Sitapura, on the inaugural day of the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024.

The session, titled 'Sustainable Mining: Safeguarding the Future,' brought together leading experts and policymakers to discuss the latest trends and challenges in resource conservation, decarbonisation, and the adoption of eco-friendly practices. Key topics included the role of AI-driven innovations and renewable energy in transforming the mining sector.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma highlighted the importance of the mining sector in the state, stating: "Our mining industry currently employs around 35 lakh people. We've also introduced a new M-Sand policy that is environmentally friendly and offers an alternative to high-quality building materials. This policy removes previous constraints such as the three-year experience requirement and a three-crore turnover condition for establishing units.

"To support these units, we've introduced provisions for benefits under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024."

Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, emphasised the Government of India's commitment to self-reliance on mineral resources, stating: "Self-reliance on minerals is a central goal of Vision 2047. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, transformative reforms in the minerals sector have boosted production and enabled states to realize their full potential."

Kishan Reddy praised Rajasthan's leadership in mineral extraction and technology, noting: "Rajasthan is a key player in India's mineral security, producing 52 out of 82 commercial minerals. It is the sole producer of critical minerals like zinc and silver, underscoring its national importance."

He also lauded Rajasthan's forward-looking Minerals Policy 2024, which focuses on exploring critical minerals and streamlining the auction process, saying: "This progressive policy will strengthen resource security and promote sustainable exploration, aligning with India's vision for a self-reliant, resource-secure future."

T. Ravikanth, Principal Secretary, Mines & Petroleum, government of Rajasthan, shared the state's commitment to sustainable mining through policies like the Sand Policy 2024, Star Rating for Minor Minerals, and incentives for recovering metals from mining tailings.

The session focused on advanced technologies and practices that minimise mining's ecological impact, with panelists discussing AI-driven predictive analytics, autonomous mining trucks, renewable energy integration, and mineral waste recycling. Topics also included decarbonisation initiatives, resource conservation, and sustainable social infrastructure development.

Prominent personalities attending the event included Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Ltd & Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd.; Dr. Ranjit Rath, Chairman & Managing Director of Oil India Ltd.; David Joseph Finn, GM, Head of HZL GEOTECH Mining Operations; Andrew Hall, Director/CEO of Australian Mining Consultants; and Akshaydeep Mathur, Secretary General of the Federation of Mining Associations of Rajasthan.

/IANS