India seeks technology-driven competitive advantage in mining sector: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the 3rd FICCI Conference on Digitalization, AI, Automation & Technology Integration in Mining & Metals in New Delhi, emphasizing the need for India to shift from a resource advantage to a technology-driven competitive advantage. He highlighted that technology must integrate across the entire value chain—from geological exploration and mining to processing, logistics, recycling, and downstream manufacturing. The Minister noted that challenges such as declining ore grades, energy costs, and decarbonisation requirements necessitate a strategic technology-led approach. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme in fostering private-sector R&D, deep-tech innovation, and scaling technologies from laboratories to industrial applications in alignment with Viksit Bharat @ 2047.