Hindustan Zinc Ltd, a Vedanta group company, says it will generate Rs 2,000 crore in value by deploying AI-driven solutions across its mining and manufacturing operations. The plan, announced at Zinnovation 2026 with V-Spark DeepTech Ventures, is aimed at improving production, cutting costs, and boosting safety and ESG performance. The company is already working with 50-plus deep tech startups on more than 100 projects, signaling a broader industry push toward industrial intelligence as margins face pressure.
Myanmar has unearthed a rare 11,000-carat ruby in the Mogok region, prized for its natural state and standout purplish-red color. Though a larger ruby was reportedly discovered in 1996, officials and gem experts say this new stone could be more valuable due to its superior quality. Mogok is known for producing top-tier rubies.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
A new report estimates India’s mining sector could become a major jobs engine by 2047, creating 25 million roles and adding up to USD 500 billion to the economy. The transformation, dubbed “Mining 5.0,” hinges on artificial intelligence, integrated digital systems, and more sustainable practices—pushing operators toward technology-led, value-driven operations.
India’s mining industry is starting to move beyond a compliance-only sustainability mindset toward a more proactive model expected to boost decision-making and efficiency across the entire mining value chain. A new report flags cloud and edge technologies as key to handling varied operations, enabling faster, data-driven management of complex sites and processes.
India’s mines ministry says 101 mineral blocks have started operations since the 2015 auction regime was introduced. The ministry claims it coordinated with state governments to speed up approvals and boost output. Odisha is leading with 34 operational blocks, while Karnataka and Gujarat also report strong progress. Officials say this move strengthens India’s push for self-reliance.
The Supreme Court will hear pleas on May 20 over who has the power to tax mineral rights in India. A nine-judge bench previously ruled that states can levy such taxes and rejected review requests. Now the Centre has filed a curative petition seeking reconsideration, setting up a high-stakes decision that could reshape state revenue and mining taxation.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
Scientists report that common fool’s gold, or pyrite, contains lithium—an unexpected twist for a mineral long dismissed as worthless. The finding could reshape lithium supply by turning overlooked deposits into an additional source, potentially cutting reliance on new mining. If confirmed at scale, this could help meet demand for batteries and renewable-energy storage with less environmental disruption.
A new lithium operation in western Finland is the first in Europe designed to cover the full chain of lithium production, from mining through refining. Ore is crushed at the site, processed into a sand like concentrate at a nearby concentrator plant, then shipped for battery quality lithium hydroxide production—potentially tightening Europe’s supply for batteries.
Canada’s remote Diavik Diamond Mine has unearthed a rare 158.20-carat yellow diamond as it approaches its 2026 closure. The stone is among the largest yellow diamonds ever found at Diavik, capping more than two decades of production in the harsh Arctic. The discovery underscores the mine’s legacy of extraordinary finds even as operations wind down.
The government has announced a Rs 5,000 crore incentive scheme for states to improve the speed and efficiency of mining block auctions and subsequent operations for FY 2026-27. The plan rewards modernization, adoption of new technologies, and integration with the national mining portal—aiming to reduce delays and accelerate momentum in India’s mining sector.
Reading on mobile?
Open Beige in the app for a smoother experience — free on iOS and Android.
India’s Ministry of Coal plans to launch the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions on April 17. The programme aims to boost ease of doing business, attract fresh investment, and broaden participation by offering both fully explored and partially explored blocks. Established miners, new entrants, and technology-driven firms are expected to bid, supporting wider industry involvement.
India is preparing a new push to strengthen critical mineral processing at home and expand supply chains abroad. Mines Secretary says public sector companies will bid for four copper mines in Chile, aiming to significantly raise domestic copper production. The plan also includes extracting gold from mining residue, turning waste streams into value.
Hindustan Copper Limited plans to invest over Rs 7,000 crore in the next five years to expand its mines and significantly boost production capacity. Alongside the capex push, the company is launching a major digital transformation, including upgrades to communication systems and the adoption of advanced technologies such as 5G and AI in its operations.
The Supreme Court will hear a case to protect the Aravalli hills on Monday after taking suo motu cognisance. Environmentalists and locals worry unchecked mining and rapid urbanization are harming the fragile ecosystem. The CJI-led bench’s upcoming hearing is expected to address alleged violations and determine next steps to safeguard the hills and local livelihoods.
Follow your favourite sources
Track sources, tags and categories — all in the Beige app.
India is preparing to launch its first large-scale private gold mine, the Jonnagiri project in Andhra Pradesh. Backed by Geomysore and substantial investment, the mine is expected to yield up to 1,000 kg of gold each year. If it performs as projected, it could strengthen domestic supply and meaningfully reduce India’s dependence on gold imports, reshaping the country’s import story.
IIT Kharagpur has unveiled the Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for AI-Enabled Geological & Mining Systems, backed by a Rs 15 crore commitment. The centre plans to embed AI across the mining lifecycle, from exploration and operations to ESG analytics, tackling a core challenge in mining: vast data with little actionable insight.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.