India to Train 5.7 Million Workers in Mining Sector by 2030 Under Skill Development Push

In a major step toward strengthening its resource economy, India has announced an ambitious plan to impart skills training to 5.7 million workers in the mining sector by 2030. The initiative aims to modernize the country’s mining workforce, enhance safety standards, and prepare for the growing demand for critical minerals essential to the clean energy transition.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines, will implement the program through specialized training institutes, digital learning modules, and industry partnerships. The government says the initiative will focus on upskilling existing workers and creating new opportunities for youth in mineral-rich regions.

“The mining industry is evolving rapidly with automation, sustainability goals, and advanced exploration technologies,” said a senior ministry official. “This training program will ensure our workforce remains globally competitive and aligned with the needs of modern mining.”

The curriculum will cover a broad range of areas — from mine safety and environmental management to AI-driven exploration, drone-based surveying, and mineral processing. Public-private partnerships are expected to play a key role in ensuring hands-on technical training and employment placement.

Industry leaders have welcomed the move, noting that a skilled workforce is essential to achieving India’s targets for domestic mineral production and reducing import dependency. With global demand for lithium, copper, and rare earths on the rise, India’s mining sector is poised for expansion, and human capital will be at the heart of that growth.

The initiative is also part of India’s broader Vision 2047 roadmap, which emphasizes sustainable resource development, job creation, and inclusive growth in industrial sectors.