GMDC to Spend ₹6,000 Crore on Land Acquisition in ₹13,000 Crore Capex Drive by 2030.

aThe Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), a state-owned entity focused on lignite and mineral mining, is poised for significant expansion with a planned capital expenditure of ₹13,000 crore by 2030. A substantial portion of this investment, an estimated 46 percent, will be dedicated to acquiring land for its various projects, including new coal mining ventures in Odisha.

Roopwant Singh (IAS), Managing Director of GMDC, revealed the ambitious capex target during a recent earnings call. He detailed the breakdown of the planned expenditure: "In the journey till 2030, we have planned a capex in the range of ₹13,000 crore." Singh elaborated that 46 percent will be spent on land acquisition, 15 percent on Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) for families impacted by mining projects, and 30 percent on plant and machinery.

Breaking down the investment further, Singh highlighted the allocation across different project types. "Approximately ₹3,000-4,000 crore is for critical mineral projects—two of them. An additional ₹4,000 crore is for our coal projects, ₹3,000 crore for our lignite projects, and we would still need to spend in excess of ₹1,000 crore for existing lignite projects, as here too land has to be acquired," the GMDC official explained.

This substantial investment underscores GMDC's aggressive growth strategy aimed at expanding its mining operations and strengthening its position in the mineral sector. The focus on land acquisition indicates a proactive approach to secure resources for future projects, particularly in new territories like Odisha.