India Must Launch Underground Resources Revolution to Achieve Mineral Self-Sufficiency: Vedanta Chief

Anil Agarwal, who heads Vedanta Group, has urged India to treat the exploration and development of its mineral and hydrocarbon resources as a matter of national importance. In a recent statement, he advocated for what he termed a "below-the-ground revolution" to cut the country's reliance on imports while tapping into its substantial geological wealth and generating widespread employment.

Drawing a historical comparison, Agarwal pointed to India's agricultural transformation. "The world knows how India created a mass movement in agriculture," he noted. "Even as our population expanded, we managed to achieve food self-sufficiency. The Green Revolution succeeded because all of India participated together. Now is the time to launch a similar revolution for underground resources so we can break free from import dependence."

Agarwal emphasized the scale of opportunity in the sector, suggesting that 30 to 40 percent of India's population—particularly younger generations—could find attractive career prospects and livelihoods in mineral exploration and development. "India possesses one of the most favorable geological profiles globally," he stated.

While advocating for government flexibility in policy matters, Agarwal drew a clear line on environmental concerns. "The government must be adaptable in most areas, but there can be absolutely no compromise when it comes to environmental protection," he said.

The Vedanta chief called for a fundamental shift in approach to mining operations. He argued against maintaining the current system of fixed-term leases lasting 50 years, proposing instead that mining rights should extend for the life of the mine, as practiced in other countries. "We must be disruptive in our thinking underground," Agarwal stated. "We should move beyond conventional auction-based systems. The real measure of success is dramatically higher production volumes."

According to Agarwal, India currently imports 50 percent of its resources from underground sources, representing substantial capital outflows that create employment elsewhere. "This money we've earned is being used to generate jobs in other nations. We should redirect these resources toward our own development," he argued.

Agarwal expressed confidence that India possesses competitive advantages to lead globally in unlocking underground potential. "With today's cutting-edge technology, our young demographic, our entrepreneurial talent, and a supportive government, we are positioned to be the fastest in developing our below-ground resources," he concluded, urging a unified national effort to transform the country through resource development.