Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, underscored the pivotal role that the steel sector plays in driving India’s economic progress during his keynote address at the 6th edition of the India Steel Expo 2025, held in Mumbai. He described steel as the backbone of India’s economy, a critical component in the nation’s drive toward becoming a developed country by 2047, aligning with the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat.’ He pointed out how steel’s role in the nation’s infrastructure development has been exemplified in projects like the Chenab Bridge and the Pamban Bridge, both symbols of India’s growing strength in the steel sector.
Shri Reddy noted that India’s steel sector had reached significant global milestones, becoming the second-largest steel producer worldwide. This growth, he added, reflects the country’s ongoing shift towards self-reliance, especially through initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat. However, he emphasized that the success of the steel industry relies heavily on the coal and mining sector, which provides the critical raw materials required for steel production.
Coking coal, which constitutes a substantial portion of steel production costs, remains a key area of focus. Currently, India imports a significant amount of its coking coal, which exposes the industry to global price fluctuations and supply disruptions. To address this challenge, the government launched Mission Coking Coal in 2021, aiming to reduce import dependency and enhance domestic production. This mission targets increasing domestic coking coal production to 140 million tonnes by 2030 and boosting the blending of domestic coal in steelmaking.
The minister also outlined various initiatives to ensure the long-term availability of critical raw materials like iron ore, coking coal, and limestone. Despite India’s vast iron ore reserves, many of them are of medium and low grade, which requires beneficiation to meet industry standards. The government is working on policy reforms and incentives to encourage private sector involvement in this process, including increasing the capacity for coal washing and promoting innovative beneficiation practices.
Moreover, Shri Reddy highlighted the growing importance of sustainability within the coal and mining sectors, with a strong emphasis on coal gasification as a cleaner alternative for steel production. The government’s National Coal Gasification Mission is set to achieve a target of 100 million tonnes by 2030, a significant step toward reducing emissions and ensuring energy security.
The Union Minister also touched upon the importance of timely utilization of greenfield mines, calling for expedited development to prevent wastage of national resources. In addition, he urged industry stakeholders to focus on the recovery of critical minerals from dumps and tailings, which could support the development of advanced alloys and green technologies.
The minister’s speech stressed the need for close collaboration between the central and state governments, as well as the private sector, to ensure India’s steel sector remains resilient, sustainable, and self-reliant. With the growing role of innovation and digital transformation, India aims to solidify its position as a global leader in steel production.
The India Steel Expo 2025 served as a platform for global stakeholders to discuss the evolving dynamics of the steel industry, including the strategic integration of the coal and steel sectors. The event also featured discussions on sustainable practices, the role of technology in enhancing industrial competitiveness, and India’s commitment to fostering a greener and more resilient industrial landscape.
Shri Reddy expressed confidence that through collective efforts, India would not only meet its raw material needs but also emerge as a dominant force in the global steel ecosystem, driving innovation and sustainability for future generations.
