Digital Transformation and Green Innovation Take Center Stage at India–Sweden Mining Day 2025

New Delhi, November 3, 2025:

The India–Sweden Mining Day 2025, held on October 31 at the Business Sweden office in New Delhi, marked a major milestone in the growing partnership between India and Sweden in the sustainable mining sector. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and technology experts to explore how digital transformation and green innovation can reshape the future of mining.

Organized under the India–Sweden Mining Platform, a bilateral framework established in 2022 the forum has become a cornerstone for strengthening cooperation in the mining and mineral development sector.

Driving the Mining Transition

India, with its rich reserves of iron ore, bauxite, zinc, and other critical minerals, continues to see mining as a key driver of its economic growth. In recent years, the Government of India has launched reforms to enhance mine productivity, worker safety, and environmental responsibility under initiatives such as the National Mineral Policy 2019 and the National Critical Mineral Mission.

For Sweden renowned globally for its advanced mining technologies, automation solutions, and sustainability-first approach the partnership offers an opportunity to contribute its technical expertise to India’s modernization efforts. Together, both countries are shaping a new era of sustainable mining in India that is efficient, digital, and environmentally conscious.

Leaders Set the Tone for Collaboration

The activity began with opening remarks by Sofia Högman, Trade Commissioner of Sweden to India, followed by a welcome address from Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India.

Sara Modig, State Secretary, Ministry of Climate and Enterprise, Sweden, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of global partnerships for climate-friendly mining and shared prosperity.

A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the TEXMiN Foundation (DST, Government of India, ISM Dhanbad) and Business Sweden. This agreement aims to accelerate digital innovation and green technology integration in mining—enhancing competitiveness, sustainability, and safety across India’s mineral value chain.

Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, also presented insights on the role of academic-industry collaboration in driving research and capacity building for a sustainable mining ecosystem.

Panel on Digitalization and Sustainable Automation

The second session featured a high-level panel on the digital transformation of the Indian mining sector, focusing on opportunities in automation, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Industry leaders shared perspectives on how smart mining technologies, autonomous vehicles, and data-driven operations are redefining global mining standards.

The panel included:

• Vijay Upreti, Regional Manager, South Asia, Guideline Geo

• Vivek Kumar Agarwal, Head Improvement, OMQ, Tata Steel Limited

• Gouranga Sen, Group Head – Economic & Policy Analysis, Vedanta Ltd.

• Chandu Rao, Managing Director, Epiroc India & General Manager, Epiroc Innovation & Technology Center (EITC)

• Pavan Kolahal, Enterprise Sales – Oceania, Asia, and India, Ericsson

  
  

Moderated by Dheeraj Kumar, the discussion highlighted the potential of AI-driven automation and IoT-enabled mining solutions to improve safety, reduce environmental impact, and optimize resource use in India’s fast-evolving mining landscape.

Building a Greener, Smarter Mining Future

As the world transitions toward low-carbon economies, India–Sweden cooperation in mining stands out as a model of how technology and sustainability can go hand in hand. The India–Sweden Mining Day 2025 reaffirmed both nations’ shared vision: to create a green, resilient, and future-ready mining ecosystem.

By combining Sweden’s cutting-edge expertise with India’s growing industrial momentum, the partnership promises to deliver meaningful impact from reducing emissions to fostering inclusive growth and innovation in mining communities.

In essence, the India–Sweden Mining Platform is not just a bilateral initiative it’s a bridge to a smarter, safer, and more sustainable mining future for both nations.