Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has unveiled ambitious AI pilots in India’s mining industry, aimed at skyrocketing production, slashing theft, and elevating operational efficiency and worker safety. Speaking in New Delhi on Wednesday, Reddy emphasized the technology’s trial phase as a game-changer for the sector.
‘AI holds immense promise for boosting output in our mines,’ Reddy told reporters. ‘Beyond productivity, it’s key to curbing theft and improving both efficiency and safety protocols.’ Officials from the Mines Ministry are delving into cutting-edge applications at major AI forums to refine these strategies.
This push aligns with broader governmental efforts showcased at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Structured around three core pillars—people, planet, and progress—and seven working groups, the summit fosters frameworks for ethical AI deployment across economies and societies.
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi spotlighted AI’s welfare impact, noting its role in delivering aid to 80 crore-plus citizens via PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. Innovations like smart PDS and Ann Chakra have slashed costs by 250 crore through route optimization, pinpointing optimal warehouses effortlessly.
In the energy domain, Minister Manohar Lal underscored AI’s transformative power. ‘Real-time insights from AI will solve intractable power supply challenges, guaranteeing uninterrupted electricity for all,’ he said. These revelations paint a picture of AI as India’s engine for inclusive growth and sectoral excellence.