In a recent social media post,
Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Group emphasised that exploration of India’s
minerals and hydrocarbons must become a national priority, calling for a
“below-the-ground revolution” to reduce import dependence, unlock the country’s
vast geological potential, and create large-scale employment opportunities.
The world knows how India created a jan andolan in our agriculture. Even as our
population grew, we were able to achieve self-sufficiency in food.
The Green Revolution happened because all of India joined together. The time
has come to create a revolution for below-the-ground so that we can be free
from imports.
This is an area of such huge potential that I estimate that 30%-40% of our
population, especially young people, should find it very attractive to develop
their careers and create livelihoods. India has one of the best geologies in
the world.
Of course, as we did for our agriculture in the start, the government will have
to be very flexible except on matters related to the environment. There can no
compromise on that. Exploration should become a buzzword and attract all kinds
of individuals, startups, small companies, large companies – bring everyone
together in this national mission.
We have to be disruptive in below-the-ground. We have to show to the world. We
should let go of old mindsets such as fixed term leases for mines (50 years at
present). Like elsewhere in the world, it should be for life of mine. We should
think beyond auctions. Let’s not be bound by any one process. The most
important thing is the outcome – massively increased production.
All of this has been implemented successfully elsewhere in the world. We have a
very advantageous position. Because of today’s advanced technology, our young
population, our entrepreneurs and our positive government, we will be fastest
to develop below-the-ground potential.
At present, 50% of our imports are on account of below-the-ground resources.
This is our hard-earned money which is going to create jobs in other countries.
Let us use it for our own development.
A revolution below-the-ground will completely transform our country. Let’s come
together in mission mode.
LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/anilagarwal-ved_exploration-of-our-minerals-and-hydrocarbons-share-7457299256132096000-T1r0/
From Green Revolution to Resource Revolution: India to target mineral self-reliance, says Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal
