New Delhi, Sept. 18 -- India must shift from resource advantage to technology-driven competitiveness in mining and metals, integrating technology across exploration, mining, processing, logistics, recycling & downstream manufacturing, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology & Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.
Addressing the 3rd FICCI conference on 'Digitalization, AI, Automation & Technology Integration in Mining & Metals', he said sectoral competitiveness would depend on how efficiently, safely & sustainably India converts geological resources into high-value, resilient and circular supply chains.
He called for moving beyond isolated technology pilots towards connected, scalable and trusted systems. Digital technologies can integrate geological, operational, equipment, process, energy, logistics and market data, enabling faster decision-making through greater visibility, prediction and automation.
Process technologies can improve extraction and recovery, unlock low-grade ores and residues, reduce energy and water intensity, support lower-carbon metal-making and strengthen separation, refining, advanced materials and recycling.
Singh said technology companies and start-ups should develop solutions suited to Indian conditions, including varied geology, brownfield plants, environmental challenges, affordability, interoperability and scale. "Our ambition should be to develop, demonstrate and scale technologies in India, for India and for the world," he said.
Prof Gobardhan Das, Member, NITI Aayog, said digitisation, AI & automation can boost productivity, safety, resource efficiency & sustainability, with trusted data, test beds, talent & ecosystem collaboration key to the technology transition.
FICCI and TEXMiN signed an MoU, while FICCI-KPMG released a report on India's technology-led competitiveness in mining
and metals.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.