### Two-Day International Mining Excellence Conference Commences in Udaipur

Udaipur, Rajasthan – A two-day international conference on the theme "Mining Excellence Centre – Continuous Improvement and Asset Optimization" commenced at Rami Royal Resort, Udaipur. Organized jointly by the Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI), Rajasthan Chapter, Udaipur, and Hindustan Zinc Limited, the event has drawn participation from over 400 mining engineers, geologists, and industry leaders from India and countries including China, South Africa, Zambia, Australia, Peru, Colombia, and Abu Dhabi.

The conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest P.N. Sharma, Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines, Nagpur. Distinguished Guests included Bhagwati Prasad Kalal, Managing Director, RSMML; Namit Mehta, District Collector; Deepak Tanwar, Director, Department of Mines and Geology; and Arun Mishra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by S.N. Mathur, National President of MEAI. Keynote address was delivered by Ravi Sharma, COO of International Resources Holding and Chairman of BMRC, Abu Dhabi. The ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp.

Praveen Sharma, President, MEAI Rajasthan Chapter, welcomed all dignitaries, while Dr. S.K. Vashisth, Conference Secretary, outlined the conference themes. Topics included advanced techniques for deep ore body mining, innovations in mineral exploration, reporting of resources, strategic importance of new-age minerals, automation in mining, use of AI and robotics, and cutting-edge technologies for converting waste to wealth.

Arun Kumar Kothari, former National President and Conference Chief Coordinator, highlighted that MEAI has over 6,000 members across India and abroad, including 83 governmental and private mining organizations. The association frequently organizes seminars to provide policy recommendations for asset optimization and technological innovation in mining.

Addressing the gathering, Hindustan Zinc CEO Arun Mishra emphasized the importance of critical minerals, verification of low-grade ores, and adoption of radar and robotic drilling technologies. Director Deepak Tanwar stressed sustainable mining practices, environmental conservation, and modern equipment usage. District Collector Namit Mehta spoke about bridging the gap between simple and advanced mining practices and the importance of community participation. He noted that organizing the unorganized sector will be a key achievement of the workshop.

Bhagwati Prasad Kalal remarked that mining plays a pivotal role in India’s journey to becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He called for employee training centers, industrial health initiatives, and a focus on zero-harm operations.

Chief Guest P.N. Sharma emphasized asset optimization, data analysis, and resource identification, stressing collaboration with private sectors. He stated that mining is becoming a foundational pillar for a developed India and assured support for data sharing from the Indian Bureau of Mines.

Conference Chair S.N. Mathur advocated for sustainable practices and critical mineral development. A technical souvenir was unveiled by Narendra Kawadia, Dr. S.C. Jain, and other dignitaries.

In the first technical session, AMC Consultants' CEO from Australia presented on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Pablo Venegas from Opermin, Zambia, shared insights into mining excellence journeys. Shashank Sharma, CEO of Bedrock Global Technology, discussed digitization, automation, and next-generation mining technologies. Presentations were also made by Amit Bhandari's team on drilling, blasting, and digital quality control, and by Hindustan Zinc’s Ravi Babel, Ankit Bhandari, and Sufal Mehrotra on automation and AI in mining operations.

A National Council Meeting of MEAI was held during the event, and sponsoring members were felicitated. The program was compered by Alok Pagaria, with a vote of thanks proposed by Asif M. Ansari.