The national techno-mining festival, Khanan” 25, commenced at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad on Saturday, gathering industry leaders, policymakers, and students to examine the evolving significance of mining in India”s sustainable development and technological progress.
During the event, Ujjwal Tah, the director general of mines safety (DGMS), emphasized mining”s foundational role, describing it as “the backbone of civilization.” He traced the industry”s evolution from the stone age to the current digital landscape, stating, “Every form of progress — from infrastructure to mobile phones and renewable energy — is rooted in mining.” He asserted that while the sector will continue to change, it will never become obsolete, driven instead by innovation and technology.
Tah urged students to concentrate on research, digital transformation, and circular economy models to optimize resource utilization for future generations. He praised IIT (ISM) Dhanbad for its century-long commitment to mining education and safety, calling it a “visionary institution shaping India”s mining ecosystem.”
Sanjeev Kumar Singh, the chairman and managing director of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), also highlighted mining”s critical importance for energy security. He pointed out that even eco-friendly technologies rely on essential minerals such as copper, lithium, and rare earth elements.
The two-day festival aims to spark discussions and innovations that will propel the mining sector toward a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
