New Delhi: In a key development for India’s mining and minerals sector, the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Mr. Prasanta Kumar Das for the position of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) at FCI Aravali Gypsum and Minerals India Limited (FAGMIL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
Mr. Das is currently serving as General Manager – Marketing at IREL (India) Ltd., a Mini Ratna PSU under the Department of Atomic Energy. With a proven track record in strategic marketing and business development in the minerals sector, Mr. Das brings valuable experience to the helm of FAGMIL at a time when the company is pursuing ambitious diversification goals.
Competitive Selection Process
The selection was made through a highly competitive process. A total of 10 candidates were shortlisted for the final interview, representing a broad spectrum of prestigious organizations such as:
- NALCO
- MRPL
- BHEL
- NLC India Ltd.
- Hindustan Copper Ltd.
- HPCL
- And even the Indian Air Force
The broad base of applicants reflects the high strategic importance of the CMD role at FAGMIL, particularly as the company expands its presence in India’s critical mineral value chain.
Leadership Outlook
If formally appointed, Mr. Das is expected to lead FAGMIL through its next phase of growth — with a focus on:
- Enhancing mineral resource utilization
- Strengthening supply chains for the cement and fertilizer sectors
- Expanding into new-age minerals essential for India’s energy transition
His appointment would also align with the government’s broader strategy to revitalize public sector undertakings by placing seasoned professionals in key leadership roles, particularly in sectors linked to resource security, sustainability, and industrial growth.
About FAGMIL
FAGMIL, or FCI Aravali Gypsum and Minerals India Limited, is a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers that mines and markets mineral gypsum in Rajasthan. Established in 2003, FAGMIL operates gypsum mines in Rajasthan and supplies gypsum for agricultural soil reclamation, as a raw material for the cement industry, and for producing Plaster of Paris. The company has grown significantly since its inception, becoming a Miniratna-II status company with a commitment to efficient, economic, and environmentally friendly operations.
