India’s drive for self-reliance in critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and rare earths is forcing mining and metals firms to elevate corporate communication to a board-level priority. Experts argue that securing stakeholder confidence—not just capital or regulatory approvals—is now decisive for project execution.
Why Stakeholder Trust Matters for Mineral Security
With the government prioritizing supply chain security for EV and clean energy ambitions, mining companies face a governance shift. Sunil Duggal, CEO of Bhumi Ventures and former Vedanta Group CEO, notes that boards must now oversee reputation, ESG performance, and organizational resilience alongside traditional concerns like capital allocation.
“Mining today is not only about extracting resources but earning trust from governments, investors, and communities,” Duggal said. Corporate communication, he adds, helps boards anticipate risks and sustain the social licence to operate.
Communication as a Strategic Board Capability
Pavan Kaushik, author of The Fifth Estate, emphasizes that stakeholder intelligence must inform board decisions. “India’s mineral security depends as much on stakeholder confidence as on investment and technology,” he said. Independent directors with expertise in reputation management can reduce execution risks and protect enterprise value.
Kaushik argues that corporate communication complements traditional board skills in finance and operations by strengthening governance and strategic execution.
Industry Commitment to Transparency
The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) underscores the sector’s commitment to responsible development. Clear, transparent communication about sustainability efforts is vital to build public trust and reinforce investor confidence, FIMI stated.
