Think Beyond Auction for Undiscovered Mineral Wealth: Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal

Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal calls for bold reforms in mineral exploration

Bengaluru, 29th April 2025: Just as coal was the engine of progress in the 19th century and oil drove prosperity in the 20th, Mr. Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Ltd., has called for a transformational shift in India’s approach to critical mineral exploration, positioning it as central to 21st-century advancement. Emphasizing the urgency to unlock the country’s vast untapped reserves, he urged policymakers and industry stakeholders to think beyond auction for discovered mineral wealth, advocating for innovative exploration models, global partnerships, and investor-friendly reforms that can accelerate India’s emergence as a self-reliant mineral powerhouse.

In a recent social media post, Mr. Agarwal highlighted the growing global urgency around mineral security. He pointed out how countries such as the United States and Canada have brought resource exploration to the forefront of policy agendas and were also part of the much-touted election campaigns. The US has adopted “Mine Baby Mine” as a new rallying cry, while Canada has made expansion of its resources sector a prominent issue in election campaigns.

Underscoring India’s strategic advantage with its vast and rich geological reserves, Mr. Agarwal stated: “We must harness these resources sustainably using advanced technology. For this, we need to fully liberalise exploration and think beyond auctions for undiscovered mineral wealth.” He also emphasised the need to streamline the regulatory landscape through self-certification for clearances, which would accelerate development and attract greater investment.

Mr. Agarwal concluded that such bold reforms are essential to propel India’s ongoing economic rise and establish its leadership in the global critical mineral’s economy.