103 Transforming a Lignite Legacy into Sustainable Value: An ESG-Integrated Transition Model from a Leading Emerging Economy A Case Study of NLC India Limited Prasanna Kumar Motupalli1, Nandakumar A2 1Chairman and Managing Director, NLCIL, India 2Additional Chief Manager, NLCIL, India ABSTRACT Transforming traditional mining systems into sustainability-anchored, value-generating assets empowers emerging economies to achieve mineral security, energy accessibility, and climate stewardship as mutually reinforcing goals. This paper presents a comprehensive case study of NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a diversified public sector mining and integrated energy enterprise, demonstrating how a lignite legacy can be strategically transformed through an ESGintegrated transition model. Using a qualitative case-study methodology based on operational data, sustainability disclosures, and implementation outcomes, the study examines how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are embedded across the mining– power–renewables value chain as core business enablers rather than compliance instruments. Key elements of the transition include integrated mine and power planning, progressive mine closure with self-sustaining post-mining ecosystems, circular economy practices in overburden and ash utilisation, institutionalised ESG governance, large-scale land and water stewardship, and digitalisation aligned with Mining 4.0. The model demonstrates how reclaimed mine land is systematically repurposed for agriculture, water conservation, ecological restoration, and renewable energy deployment, thereby creating long-term socio-economic and environmental value beyond resource extraction. Benchmarking against international frameworks such as ICMM principles, OECD circular economy concepts, and global post-lignite transition models highlights the scalability and transferability of the approach to other resource-intensive economies. The study shows that, in leading emerging economies, legacy lignite mining enterprises can deliver minerals faster, smarter, and more responsibly by integrating ESG governance, digital innovation, and land-use transformation, while continuing to safeguard energy security and contribute meaningfully to national development objectives. 1. Introduction Emerging economies are positioned to evolve established fossil-based mineral systems into sustainable value streams while advancing energy accessibility, industrial growth, and climate commitments as complementary priorities. In India, lignite has historically played a critical role in pithead-based power generation, enabling affordable electricity and regional development. However, the evolving global energy landscape and increasing ESG expectations demand that
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