NEW DELHI, SEP 10
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has appointed David Stone as Chief Executive Officer of Coal Mines. In this role, David will oversee the company’s entire coal mining operations, driving strategy and utilizing technology and innovation to enhance resource efficiency.
David’s expertise will be pivotal in optimizing resource management at Vedanta Aluminium’s thermal power plants located in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh in Odisha, and Korba in Chhattisgarh. He will also emphasize sustainable mining practices. The company operates five coal mines with a combined capacity of 40 million tonnes per annum (MTPA): Jamkhani, Kuraloi, Radhikapur, Ghogharpalli, and Barra, which is currently under exploration.
With over 30 years of distinguished global experience in resource management, David has held leadership roles through various phases including growth, mergers and acquisitions, project development, and operational management. His career includes significant tenures at Anglo American, Xstrata, and Glencore, where he consistently demonstrated a transformative approach and a focus on enhancing shareholder value.
“We are excited to welcome David to Vedanta Aluminium,” said John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium. “His proven track record makes him the ideal leader to drive our mining operations, ensuring backward integration to secure raw materials and reduce production costs. His expertise will be crucial as we aim to enhance resource efficiency and pursue our ambitious growth plans.”
Upon his appointment, David Stone commented, “I am honoured to join Vedanta Aluminium and lead the coal operations at such a crucial time for the company. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to implement innovative strategies that will optimize resources, reduce costs, and support the company’s growth and sustainability goals.”
As part of its expansion and cost-reduction strategy, Vedanta Aluminium has outlined a comprehensive plan for backward integration, underscoring the importance of a robust coal supply chain. The new coal mines are expected to significantly lower power generation costs by supplying the company’s existing thermal power assets.
