India is taking decisive steps to secure supply of critical minerals that power our microchips, batteries, electric vehicles, drive clean energy, AI systems, semiconductor, AI technologies. However, these are mostly locked up in rocks that need specialized mineral processing for extraction. With its unique expertise in hard rock mining, Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) is one of the few companies ideally placed to make a foray in the critical mineral sector and provide valuable service to our nation. In line with this vision, HCL is looking beyond the frontiers.
In tune, HCL organized an International Seminar on Critical and Strategic Minerals for Viksit Bharat @ 2047, in Kolkata on 9th November, 2025, to celebrate its 59th Foundation Day. The event was graced by the presence of a host of foreign dignitaries, diplomats, mining stalwarts and delegates.
Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Coal and Mines, Government of India, in his virtual keynote address emphasized the urgency for mineral security for the nation and urged HCL to play a meaningful role in this endeavour. Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Government of India, lauded HCL for organizing the international seminar enriched with deliberations and technical papers from global experts. The seminar will open up possibilities for collaboration between Indian mining players and their overseas counterparts.
Mr. Sanjiv Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, HCL, said in his address that HCL has collaborated with leading PSUs and Codelco, the state-owned world’s largest copper miner in Chile. Through Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), its JV with NALCO and MECL, HCL is also scouting for critical and strategic mineral assets abroad. As we move towards a low carbon future, the role of such minerals will become indispensable, he added.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Sinha, Director Operation and Director Mining – Addl. Charge, HCL, in his welcome address said that the seminar will provide a platform for sharing knowledge on innovative technologies that will contribute in securing supply of critical and strategic minerals through sustainable means.
This event was graced by the presence of Mr. Sanoj Kumar Jha, IAS, Addl. Secy., Ministry of Coal, and CMD – Addl. Charge, Coal India Limited, Mr. Ujjwal Tah, Director General, DGMS, Mr. Asit Saha, Director General, GSI, Mr. Pankaj Kulshrestha, Controller General (I/c), IBM, Mr. Brijendra Pratap Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, NALCO, Dr. Ramanuj Narayanan, Director, CSIR-IMMT, Mr. KOZLOV Maxim Victorovich, Consul General of the Russian Federation. They were hosted by Mr. Sanjiv Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, HCL, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Sinha, Director Operation and Director Mining – Addl. Charge, HCL, Mr. R V N Vishweshwar, Director (Finance), HCL, Mr. Avinash Janardan Bhide, Independent Director, HCL, and Mr. Harsimran Singh, CVO, HCL.
Mr. Ujjwal Tah, Director General, DGMS, said that it takes years to start production from a new mine. Before closing down a mine because of low yield, the view of mining engineers should also be taken into account instead of relying only on commercial considerations.
Dr. Ramanuj Narayanan, Director, CSIR-IMMT, stated that, in India, we should focus on secondary sources for critical minerals from secondary sources like railings, over burden and also seriously relook waste material recycling.
Mr. Pankaj Kulshrestha, Controller General (I/c), IBM, stated that HCL is one of the best placed companies to play a big role in the quest for securing critical Minerals.
Mr. Asit Saha, Director General, GSI, said that the need of the hour of the country is to acquire expertise in extraction of critical minerals. 90% of the critical mineral processing capacity lies with China. Potentiality of a mine should be given a thorough relook prior to writing it off, he advised.
Mr. Brijendra Pratap Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, NALCO, is expanding mining capacity and also participating in projects overseas to secure through KABIL
On the occasion, HCL inaugurated its Corporate Flag and Corporate theme song. While the corporate flag stands as a symbol of HCL’s enduring commitment to responsible mining, sustainable growth and national development, the song is a lyrical tribute to the metal, Copper, and its torchbearers.
Committed to social inclusion and women’s empowerment, HCL felicitated Ms Tulsi Meena for her expedition to Mt. Everest, Ms Isha Besra for remarkable achievement in archery, Ms Nazmin Budia in leading a Self Help Group (SHG) in making eco-friendly jute bags and Ms Gyanvati Meravi and Ms Antan Uikey for making earthenware under its CSR initiatives.
Under its CSR program Arogyadayani (आरोग्यदायिनी) aimed at supported underprivileged girls from village close to HCL’s Mining Units, for a Degree or Diploma in Nursing, the Company awarded scholarships to Ms Mamta Munda and Ms Shilpa Mahato. The Chairman’s Trophy for Young Managers and Best Performer Awards for workmen were also given out during the event.
As a part of HCL’s green initiative, a trial run of the Electric Load Haul Dumper (LHD) at Malanjkhand Copper Project, the flagship mining unit of the Company, was inaugurated. The Electric LHD symbolizes the fusion of innovation and sustainability — in sync with HCL’s focus on eco-sensitive and advanced mining practices. The company has recently initiated several measures to enhance benefits and facilities for its employees and contractual workers.
In his vote of thanks Mr. R V N Vishweshwar, Director (Finance), HCL, opined that the learning from this seminar will pave the way for sustainable mining practices in our quest for critical minerals. Acknowledging the visionary guidance of the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, and the support of the State Government, Mr. R V N Vishweshwar, said that HCL is committed to sustainable mining in pursuit of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
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