Guru balasubramaniam

Mr. A. Gurubalasubramaniam is a seasoned mining industry leader with over 26 years of extensive experience in overseeing large-scale mining operations, project management, regulatory compliance, and process optimization. Currently serving as Senior General Manager – Operations at M/s Indrani Patnaik, Odisha, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing production efficiency, ensuring regulatory adherence, and driving operational excellence in the iron ore mining sector. His career is marked by a strong commitment to sustainable mining practices, strategic planning, and workforce development.

With a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining from the prestigious College of Engineering, Guindy (Anna University, Chennai), he further honed his leadership and management skills through the Executive Programme at the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta. Additionally, he holds a First Class Mine Manager Certificate of Competency, reinforcing his technical proficiency and regulatory expertise in mining operations.

Throughout his career, Mr. A. Gurubalasubramaniam has been instrumental in spearheading end-to-end project management for both greenfield and brownfield mining projects. His expertise includes resource estimation, exploration coordination, mineral processing, beneficiation, safety compliance, and mine infrastructure development. A highly accomplished professional, he has successfully led mining projects with an environmentally cleared production capacity of 4.0 MTPA, optimizing costs while maintaining high operational standards.

A core strength of his leadership lies in regulatory compliance and government liaison. He has worked extensively with various statutory bodies, including the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), the Forest Department, and the Pollution Control Board, ensuring seamless compliance with mining laws and environmental norms. His ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes has been pivotal in securing statutory approvals, defending legal challenges, and managing stakeholder relations effectively.

Mr. A. Gurubalasubramaniam's technical acumen extends to process optimization, cost control, and production planning. He has successfully implemented innovative systems such as the Quick Dispatch System (QDS) to enhance tipper traffic efficiency, ensuring accurate loading, minimizing vehicle rerouting, and improving overall logistics. His contributions to beneficiation circuit development for low-grade BHJ/BHQ material have set new industry benchmarks, pioneering advanced resource utilization techniques.

His tenure at M/s Indrani Patnaik has seen him progressively rise through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership capabilities at every stage. From transforming a virgin hillock iron ore deposit into a high-capacity mine producing 14,000 MT of ore per day to overseeing multimillion-dollar mining projects, his strategic vision has consistently translated into tangible business growth. His proactive approach to safety, environmental compliance, and community engagement has earned recognition for the mining operations under his leadership.

Before joining M/s Indrani Patnaik, he held key roles at The India Cements Ltd., where he managed limestone mining operations, optimized blasting techniques, and led Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives. His hands-on experience in drilling, blasting, crushing, and beneficiation plant operations has given him a comprehensive understanding of the mining value chain, making him a sought-after expert in the industry.

As a life member of the Mining Engineers Association of India and an active participant in professional forums such as the Indian Mining Journal Readers Forum, Mr. A. Gurubalasubramaniam remains at the forefront of industry advancements. His dedication to continuous improvement, innovation, and sustainable mining practices underscores his reputation as a dynamic leader driving operational efficiency and business excellence in the mining sector.