Madhumitha Jaganmohan
Research expert covering climate and environmental sustainability
Top mining companies in India - statistics & facts
India, one of the richest countries for metallic and non-metallic mineral resources, has had mining at the heart of its economy for centuries. Home to some of the largest mining companies in the world, this industry continues to be a cornerstone of the Indian economy, powering industries ranging from construction and infrastructure to manufacturing and technology. Indian multinational companies rank highly among some of the top mining companies in the world based on revenue.
Tata Steel, a household name in India, has been a pioneer in the country's mining sector for almost a century. Tata Steel Limited has an extensive network of mines across India and Canada and shows a secure supply chain of raw materials, including coal, which is crucial for the production of steel from iron ore. Tata has a strong brand equity with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility as a corporate entity, with heavy investments in research and development to minimize its environmental impact and promote responsible mining.
A mining maverick and a large conglomerate
JWS Steel, a relatively new entrant into the Indian mining landscape, has rapidly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. With control over 13 operational captive iron-ore mines and over 13,000 employees in the workforce, JWS has secured a significant portion of its raw material supply chain. Beyond its domestic operations, JWS Steel has also demonstrated a global ambition with its expansion plans, which include international ventures targeting regions with abundant iron ore resources. This strategic approach from JWS positions itself as a potential player in the global mining industry.Tata Steel, a household name in India, has been a pioneer in the country's mining sector for almost a century. Tata Steel Limited has an extensive network of mines across India and Canada and shows a secure supply chain of raw materials, including coal, which is crucial for the production of steel from iron ore. Tata has a strong brand equity with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility as a corporate entity, with heavy investments in research and development to minimize its environmental impact and promote responsible mining.
Public vs. private mining companies in India
The majority of India's mines are owned by private corporations that hold top market positions in their respective manufacturing sectors. Steel Authority of India Limited is the only government-owned enterprise among the top five industrial metals and mining companies by revenue. In fiscal year 2024, the revenue from operations of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) was over 1.05 trillion Indian rupees. In contrast, Vedanta Limited, the only privately owned company among market leaders with a highly diversified portfolio of natural resource extraction, reported a combined revenue of 1.42 trillion Indian rupees in fiscal year 2024. The company mainly mines zinc, lead and silver, aluminum, and iron ore. Conversely, other market leaders are only focused on a single type of mineral extraction, especially iron ore.A bright future for India's mining industry
The country's mineral-rich lands, coupled with increasing demand for raw materials, provides the Indian mining industry with a big opportunity for both domestic and international trade. JWS Steel and Tata Steel Limited, with their strategic investments and global presence, are well positioned to capitalize on this growth. As India continues to play a crucial role in the global economy, the mining industry will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of its development.
