Outlook Planet Sustainable Mining Forum Kicks Off with Energy, US Tariffs in Focus

"At the heart of US tariffs lies energy," said Neeraj Thakur, Editor of Outlook Business, while kicking off Outlook Planet's "Sustainable Mining Forum" on August 7 in New Delhi. He reminded audience of 25% additional tariffs US imposed on India yesterday, on top of similar levy Donald Trump announced last month.

India’s mining sector is on the brink of a transformative journey toward sustainability, which is called “sustainable mining”. It is no longer a buzzword; it is a national imperative because the world is more focused on cleaner energy and resource-conscious growth. Energy has always defined human progress – from how we first learned to control fire to how we extract and manage our mineral wealth.

This proves that mining is the first step in every value chain. But if it’s not done responsibly - environmentally, socially, and economically – it could easily become a liability. Hence, Outlook Planet has brought together industry leaders, and community voices for the “Sustainable Mining Forum” to decide how India’s future can be secured in this space.

The Sustainable Mining Conclave will focus on discussions around most pressing questions of India’s mining sector: How can we balance our growing mineral needs with environmental responsibilities? How do we make our mining practices globally competitive and geopolitically resilient? And how can India turn its mining sector into a pillar of energy security and social responsibility?

In his welcome address, Thakur has set the tone for the day, while reflecting on the importance of mining in 21^st century. “Whether it’s coal for thermal power, iron ore for steel, bauxite for aluminium, or lithium for EV batteries — what we mine, how we mine, and how responsibly we mine will shape India’s economic resilience. As the cost of producing energy rises globally, sustainable mining becomes a strategic advantage, not just an environmental responsibility,” he said.

It is even said that mining is not limited to environment alone, it also sits at the heart of global power dynamics. As the world becomes more energy-hungry, all the modern wars in the last few decades have also been fought for energy security along with territorial control, he stated. Citing some historic examples like Gulf War, Iraq invasion, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Thakur termed energy a “geopolitical currency”.

“And this pressure will only grow. Tomorrow, the same geopolitical players could impose green tariffs or carbon border taxes on our exports — arguing that our industries are not carbon neutral. That is not far-fetched; the EU has already launched its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. If we are not ahead of the curve, we will pay the price — not just financially, but in diminished economic independence,” he added.

The Coal Ministry, meanwhile, is exploring additional incentives for underground (UG) commercial coal block auctions in India to stimulate sustainable mining practices and boost output. Currently, 37 out of 113 auctioned mines are UG. The ministry is also working to secure environmental concessions with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

These incentives are expected to take effect prospectively, further enhancing investment attractiveness and aligning with broader production targets for 2025‑26.