Economy

Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan  Reddy today, virtually addressed an international seminar on the importance of critical minerals, held in the city on the occasion of the 59th Foundation Day of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL). 

 

The Minister emphasised that India is firmly on the path to becoming a developed economy by the centenary of its independence in 2047 and that the critical minerals such as cobalt and nickel will be the “silent force” powering this transformation. He highlighted the Government’s comprehensive efforts under the National Critical Minerals Mission, with a budget allocation of ?32,000 crore, to promote exploration, processing, and value-addition of critical minerals. He also noted India’s growing international cooperation with Australia, Argentina, Chile, and Zambia, and the establishment of seven Centres of Excellence to foster collaboration among academia, PSUs and private partners. The Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, reiterated the Government’s commitment to realising the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 through mineral self-reliance.

 

The event was graced by several senior dignitaries, including Shri Ujjwal Tah, Director General, Directorate General of Mines Safety; Shri Pankaj Kulasreshtha, Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines; Shri Asit Saha, Director General, Geological Survey of India and Shri Sanjiv Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, HCL. 

 

On this occasion, HCL’s corporate flag and the theme song were unveiled. The Kolihan Service Shaft Winder and Electric Load Hold Dumper at Malanjkhand Copper Field were also inaugurated. The event additionally recognised outstanding women achievers supported under HCL’s CSR initiatives and honoured top-performing employees and young executives for their exceptional contribution to the company’s growth.

 

Established in 1967, Hindustan Copper Limited is India’s only vertically integrated copper producer, encompassing mining, beneficiation, smelting, refining and casting operations. As a public sector enterprise under the Union  Ministry of Mines, HCL plays a pivotal role in ensuring the nation’s copper security and advancing its strategic mineral goals. Over the past five decades, HCL has contributed significantly to the development of India’s mining sector and remains at the forefront of the Government’s vision for sustainable, resource-efficient industrial growth.