Use Existing Assets to Boost Mineral Output, Says Anil Agarwal

Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal has said that the only way to significantly increase mineral production in the short term is by maximising output from existing assets, as new mining projects typically take five to ten years to become productive. Quoting former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, Agarwal argued that results matter more than methods, stressing the urgent need to “sweat existing assets” to meet rising demand.

He pointed out that India’s copper and gold assets are largely under-producing or dormant, despite the country importing about 99.9% of its gold and 95% of its copper needs. According to Agarwal, this highlights a major opportunity for domestic production. At current high commodity prices, he said there is a strong case for encouraging private partnerships, especially since many of these assets are government-owned, calling it the fastest route to self-reliance.

His remarks come as Parliament has approved the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, aimed at boosting sustainable mining and reducing import dependence under the National Critical Mineral Mission. The legislation promotes modern technology, mineral trading through exchanges, and extraction of deep-seated minerals, measures the government says will strengthen India’s supply chains for sectors such as electric vehicles, batteries and advanced manufacturing.

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