Concrete

Sustainable Mining in India’s Cement Industry

Published

8 months ago

October 10, 2025

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Pukhraj Sethiya and Kundan Singh present an analytical outlook on how the Indian cement industry is approaching sustainable mining, exploring the guiding frameworks, facing challenges and utilising digital tools.

India’s cement industry, second only to China in scale, is a backbone of national infrastructure and housing development. With over 700 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of installed capacity and around 450 MTPA production in FY 2025, the sector accounts for nearly 8 per cent of global cement output. Limestone, the principal raw material, is sourced largely from shallow, land-intensive mining operations.
However, this dependence on primary extraction raises pressing concerns: land degradation, water stress, emissions, and community displacement. As India commits to net-zero by 2070 and global supply chains increasingly demand ESG compliance, cement-linked mining must undergo a transformation towards low-carbon, resource-efficient and socially inclusive practices.
This article provides an analytical view of sustainable mining in the cement sector, covering frameworks, barriers, digital enablers, consulting roles and global benchmarks shaping the industry.

Defining sustainable mining in the cement ecosystem
Sustainable mining is not merely about compliance—it is about optimising resource use while safeguarding ecological and social systems. In cement-linked mining, it implies:

Resource efficiency
o Moving beyond simple limestone extraction by minimising waste and optimising blasting, haulage, and processing.
o Integrating secondary raw materials (e.g., fly ash, slag, red mud) to reduce dependence on virgin limestone and extend the mine’s life.
o India’s clinker-to-cement ratio of ~0.70 (lower than the global average of 0.74) demonstrates progress, but further reduction is possible through blended cements.

Environmental stewardship
o Preventing soil erosion and biodiversity loss through scientific mine planning and phased reclamation.
o Water recycling, rainwater harvesting, and mine-pit water use are critical given that the cement sector is one of the top 10 industrial water consumers in India.
o Repurposing mine dumps for solar installations or afforestation can offset emissions and create alternative land value.

Community engagement
o Beyond CSR, sustainable mining emphasises creating resilient local economies.
o Employing local communities in ancillary services (transport, catering, non-critical supplies) promotes shared value and reduces operational risks from social unrest.

Regulatory compliance
o Adherence to evolving environmental clearance (EC) conditions, Mine Closure Plans and labour laws is non-negotiable.
o Global investors increasingly view non-compliance as a reputational and financing risk.

Post-mining land use
o Mine closure should not result in abandoned pits but in planned transitions—industrial estates, recreational parks or even water reservoirs that benefit surrounding regions.

Consulting: enabling sustainability-linked profitability
Mining companies often face a false dichotomy between sustainability and profitability. Consulting firms help realign strategies by quantifying the business case for sustainability.

Materiality Assessments: Identifying ESG factors most relevant to mining (e.g., water scarcity in Rajasthan, dust emissions in limestone belts of Chhattisgarh).
Life Cycle Costing: Demonstrating savings from energy-efficient crushers, conveyor systems over trucking or water-recycling plants.
Integrated ESG in Mine Lifecycle: Embedding sustainability from exploration (site selection) through design (haul road optimisation) to closure (reclamation).
Regulatory Navigation: Guiding companies through multi-layered frameworks—MoEFCC clearance, DGMS safety standards, and international benchmarks (GRI, TCFD, SBTi).
Cultural Transformation: Enabling leadership to cascade ESG values into operational metrics (e.g., tonnes CO2 per tonne clinker, water used per tonne mined limestone).

Such interventions convert ESG from a cost centre to a competitive advantage, directly improving investor confidence and market positioning.

Digital tools and financial modelling as enablers
Digital transformation in mining is no longer optional—it is a differentiator. When integrated with financial modelling, these technologies provide decision-makers with quantifiable sustainability outcomes.

GIS and remote sensing

Enables precise resource mapping, monitoring land-use changes, and real-time compliance tracking.
Concept of ‘Borehole to Boardroom’ allows linking geological data directly with management dashboards.

Mine planning software + fleet management

Optimises pit design, reduces haul distances,and cuts diesel consumption (a major cost and emission source).
Fleet automation and dispatch systems can reduce fuel use by 10 per cent to 15 per cent.

IoT monitoring

Real-time sensors track air quality (dust), water discharge, and noise, ensuring early intervention before regulatory breaches.

AI and predictive analytics

Prevents equipment failures, reducing downtime and energy wastage.
Optimised blasting and grinding reduce overburden movement and electricity use.

Digital twins

Simulating various mining approaches allows assessment of both environmental outcomes and financial viability.
Enables stress-testing against future carbon prices or water-scarcity scenarios.

When combined with financial modelling, these tools demonstrate that upfront sustainability investments can yield long-term financial gains through reduced operating costs, risk mitigation, and enhanced funding access.

Challenges facing indian miners
Transitioning to ESG-aligned operations is not straightforward, especially in India. Major roadblocks include:

Capital Constraints: Many small to mid-tier miners lack access to low-cost financing for green technologies, unlike global peers where sustainability-linked loans are common.
Skill Gaps: A decade-long slump in mining activity has created shortages of skilled manpower, particularly in ESG integration and digital mining.
Regulatory Complexity: Overlapping state and central laws cause clearance delays. India ranks poorly on ‘ease of mine permitting’ compared to global peers.
Technological Lag: More than 70 per cent of limestone mines still rely on conventional drilling and blasting, with limited adoption of automation.
Weak Stakeholder Pressure: Unlike Europe, where consumer preference drives ESG compliance, India’s cement demand is largely cost-driven, lowering pressure on producers to adopt sustainability measures.

ReVal consulting’s ESG integration framework
ReVal Consulting’s approach demonstrates how ESG can be embedded into mining strategy:

Early-Stage ESG Screening: Risks identified during exploration reduce future compliance costs.
Customised ESG Roadmaps: Action plans aligned with IFC, SBTi, and ICMM frameworks.
Innovative Mine Planning: Incorporating low-energy equipment, optimised mine sequencing, and land-efficient layouts.
Carbon Accounting and Reporting: Comprehensive measurement of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
Stakeholder Management: Engaging local communities as active partners, not passive beneficiaries.
Closure Planning: Designing legacy projects—reclaimed land converted to industrial hubs, eco-tourism parks or renewable energy sites.

This interdisciplinary model ensures that sustainability drives operational, financial and reputational outcomes simultaneously.

Global benchmarks shaping indian mining
Indian miners are increasingly influenced by international standards due to trade and investment flows:

ICMM Principles: Provide a framework for ethical mining across 38 global members.
SBTi (Science-Based Targets Initiative): Pushes companies to set emissions reductions in line with climate science.
TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures): Drives climate-risk reporting in corporate governance.
GRI and SASB Standards: Ensure comparability in ESG reporting, critical for global investors.

Aligning with these benchmarks improves access to green financing, enhances transparency and strengthens competitiveness in export markets.

Low-carbon mining strategy
Looking ahead, India’s cement-linked mining must align with the nation’s 2070 net-zero target. Strategic shifts will include:

Electrification and Renewables: Wider use of electric mining trucks, conveyors and renewable-powered crushers.
Smart Mine Design: AI-driven pit optimisation, autonomous haulage and real-time monitoring for efficiency.
Circular Mining: Repurposing overburden and tailings into aggregates, bricks or backfilling material.
Green Financing: Sustainability-linked bonds and loans increasingly tied to ESG performance indicators.
Policy-Led Innovation: Government incentives (e.g., Production-Linked Incentives for green tech), stricter emission caps and possible carbon pricing mechanisms.

Conclusion
For India’s cement sector, where mining is the foundation of operations, sustainability is both an imperative and an opportunity. Transitioning to ESG-driven mining practices is not simply about environmental stewardship; it is about ensuring long-term competitiveness, investor confidence and societal license to operate. With the right mix of consulting expertise, digital adoption, global benchmark alignment and policy support, Indian mining can reposition itself as a global leader in sustainable cement production. The critical question is no longer if mining should be sustainable, but how quickly and effectively the sector can pivot towards that future.

About the author:
Pukhraj Sethiya, India MD, ReVal Consulting, leverages two decades of mining expertise to deliver strategic, sustainable, and impactful solutions.

Kundan Singh, Associate Director and Lead – Management and Strategy Consulting, ReVal Consulting, specialises in strategy, finance, and due diligence across coal, cement, and metal mining.

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Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

6 days ago

June 5, 2026

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World Environment Day spotlight on innovation and circularity

On World Environment Day, the Indian cement industry reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s climate ambitions through sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said the sector remains aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitments and is accelerating efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the country’s infrastructure and development agenda.

Parth Jindal, President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said the industry is increasingly adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. He also highlighted the growing importance of circular economy practices, where industrial by-products and waste streams from one sector are utilised as resources in another.

“The Indian Cement Industry is aligned to the Government’s commitments on carbon mitigation and is accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies, resource efficiency and circular economy practices while actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a critical pathway for deep decarbonisation,” said Jindal.

He added that coprocessing industrial waste and by-products helps conserve natural resources, reduce disposal requirements and lower the environmental footprint across multiple sectors.

According to Jindal, sustainability is no longer limited to manufacturing processes but is increasingly influencing investment decisions, innovation strategies and long-term growth plans within the industry.

Echoing similar views, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JK Cement, said sustainable development extends beyond emissions reduction and must also focus on responsible resource utilisation and waste minimisation.

“Sustainability in the built environment cannot be measured by emissions alone. It is equally about how efficiently we use resources, how effectively we minimise waste and how responsibly we create the infrastructure that will serve future generations,” said Singhania.

He noted that the cement industry is advancing its sustainability agenda through greater resource efficiency, increased circularity, technological innovation and continuous improvements in manufacturing practices. As a key contributor to India’s infrastructure development, the sector has a critical role to play in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India’s climate goals while delivering the materials required for resilient, durable and sustainable infrastructure.

Concrete

Building a Greener Future Together

Published

7 days ago

June 4, 2026

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Environmental sustainability requires immediate action, not just long-term commitments and discussions. Recycling, circular economy practices, and technology-driven waste management can help industries reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth.

Author: Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology

World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that environmental sustainability can no longer remain confined to discussions, reports, or long-term commitments. The environmental challenges facing the world today demand immediate, measurable, and collective action. Across industries and communities, waste generation continues to outpace our ability to process it responsibly, placing increasing pressure on ecosystems, natural resources, public health, and the well-being of future generations.

One of the most significant shifts required today is a change in how society perceives waste. Rather than being viewed as a material to be discarded, waste must be recognised as a valuable resource that can contribute to both economic growth and environmental protection when managed through the right technologies and systems. This mindset forms the foundation of the circular economy model that countries across the world are increasingly adopting to reduce landfill dependence, recover valuable materials, and create more sustainable industrial ecosystems.

India has made meaningful progress in strengthening awareness around sustainability, recycling, and environmental responsibility over the past decade. Significant efforts are being made to formalise the recycling sector through improved infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation, and broader stakeholder participation. These developments are creating a stronger foundation for responsible waste management and resource recovery across the country.

However, achieving long-term environmental impact requires collaboration from all stakeholders. Industries, policymakers, technology providers, and communities must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices, and create sustainable outcomes through consistent execution rather than temporary interventions.

As someone closely associated with the recycling industry, I firmly believe that technology will play a decisive role in addressing future environmental challenges. Advanced recycling systems have the potential to recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, minimise landfill burdens, and conserve energy, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This belief is deeply reflected in Fornnax’s motto, “Committed to Create a Green Future,” which embodies our commitment to building long-term environmental value through innovation and responsible action.

At the same time, technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change. Real progress requires intent, awareness, participation, and a shared sense of responsibility. Sustainable development can only be achieved when innovation is supported by collective action and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. By embracing innovation, strengthening recycling ecosystems, and acting responsibly today, we can create lasting environmental impact and secure a better future for generations to come.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Advances LC3 Cement Expansion

Company highlights commercial production and research partnerships

Published

1 week ago

June 1, 2026

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The meeting reviewed progress in limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) technology and its commercial adoption in India’s cement sector, focusing on low-carbon alternatives to conventional binders. JK Lakshmi Cement noted that limestone calcined clay cement can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 per cent compared with conventional cement and said this reduction supports industry decarbonisation. The company highlighted that it was among the first two cement manufacturers in India to move LC3 into commercial production after the Bureau of Indian Standards approved the technology as a cement standard.

Vinita Singhania said the transition of LC3 from research to commercial production reflected collaboration between industry, academia and international institutions. Maya Tissafi acknowledged JK Lakshmi Cement’s role in advancing LC3 adoption in India and its contribution in taking the technology from laboratory trials to commercial implementation. Both representatives underlined the growing relevance of sustainable construction materials as India expands infrastructure and urban development.

The meeting explored continued collaboration with Swiss research institutions such as EPFL, EMPA and ETH Zurich alongside Indian academic partners and development organisations. JK Lakshmi Cement has been associated with the LC3 initiative since 2014 and worked with EPFL, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, Development Alternatives and Technology and Action for Rural Advancement. The company conducted one of the earliest industrial trials of LC3 and recently announced commercial production of Green Pro LC3 cement from its Jaykaypuram plant in Rajasthan.

India remains the world’s second-largest cement producer and expansion of infrastructure, urbanisation and housing demand continue to support long-term sector growth, increasing interest in low-carbon technologies. The company reported an annual turnover of more than Rupees (Rs) 60 bn and current cement capacity of about 18 million (mn) tonnes (t) per annum, with a target of reaching 30 million (mn) tonnes (t) by 2030. Apart from grey cement, the company also makes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, primers, adhesives and fly ash blocks, and both sides concluded on the need for continued collaboration to develop sustainable construction solutions.