LEADERSHIP
“Copper will emerge as a new gold in natural resources."
U.P Shiva Reddy, a highly acclaimed entrepreneur across Africa, is the Chairman of Bhumi Ventures, an emerging Metal & Mining company operating across Dubai, Fujairah & the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His firm belief is that natural resources need to be utilized optimally for the greater good of society and for sustainable economic development across the world. With an interest in mining & metals, particularly in copper, cobalt, nickel and other metals, and assessing the future of copper as one of the most versatile metals with a wide range of applications across various industries, he believes - Copper will emerge as a new gold in natural resources.
With a proven track record of successfully managing and scaling businesses, he brings a unique blend of large vision, strategic insight, operational excellence, corporate governance and innovative thinking to every venture he undertakes.
Currently, Shiva Reddy oversees a wide spectrum of business operations spanning across beverage manufacturing, construction (World Bank projects & DRC), mining, cosmetic products, agriculture, export of goods and equipment, trading of pharmaceuticals, tours and travel, etc. in India, DRC, Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria and UAE, reflecting his global mindset and deep routed commitment to socioeconomic developments across emerging markets.
Shiva Reddy is also the visionary founder of Premiere Distillery SARL (PREMIDIS SARL) in the DRC. Founded in 1999, the company has since diversified into a market leader in the beverage industry. Shiva Reddy has built a $500 million conglomerate through his unwavering dedication, strategic vision, exceptional business acumen and an unrelenting commitment to quality and innovation. His ability to adapt to market challenges has been instrumental in transforming the ventures into pillars of excellence.
“Natural resources are the wealth of a nation, and as miners, it's our responsibility to ensure they are optimally utilized for the greater good of humanity and economic growth."
Kaushal Kishore - Managing Director, Bhumi Ventures is a seasoned business leader and a man of determination & passion, with over 25 years of diverse experience across multiple industries, and a highly acclaimed career with focus on copper mining.
His journey passes through identifying critical minerals in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for socio-economic development. He ventured into the DRC, identifying an opportunity and recognizing the growing strategic importance of copper in the years to come.
Kaushal Kishore's strategic involvement in the DRC includes significant investments, building key relationships, acquisition of some of the potential mining licenses in the region, development of mining operations, and supporting infrastructure through various group subsidiaries.
His remarkable strength in investor relations and stakeholder management has been instrumental in driving growth that ensures long-term success. Also known more for his acumen to identifying the right professionals for the organization, Kaushal Kishore is widely admired as a people person who is approachable and sensitive to professional growth. Kaushal Kishore's leadership is significant to not just the growth of the Bhumi Ventures, but also the growth of mineral resources in DRC.
"The mining sector is a cornerstone of global economic development. Maximizing its contribution to GDP must remain a priority, all while navigating the evolving landscape of geopolitical realities."
Dr. Sunil Duggal, Group CEO of Bhumi Ventures, is widely recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the global mining and metals sector. With over four decades of impactful leadership, he has driven transformative change across continents by championing critical minerals, decarbonization, sustainability, safety, and geopolitical strategy.
His distinguished career cuts across industries and borders, particularly in mining, metals, and cement, where he has consistently steered large enterprises toward sustained growth, profitability, and competitive advantage on the world stage. His expertise spans strategic expansion, operational optimization, stakeholder alignment, and adept navigation of complex international business environments. Dr. Duggal's tenure at Hindustan Zinca flagship Vedanta Group company and one of the world's leading integrated Zinc-Lead-Silver producers illustrates his rapid ascent and strategic acumen. Beginning as Executive Director in 2010, he rose to Chief Executive Officer within five years, driving record-setting performance and innovation. In 2018, he took on a broader leadership role as CEO of Vedanta Group 's base metals division and, by 2020, was appointed Group CEO. Under his global leadership, Vedanta has solidified its position as a top-tier natural resources powerhouse with operational footprints across five continents, influencing global mining strategies and best practices.
Today, Dr. Duggal serves on the boards of several prominent organizations, including Godawari Power and Ispat Ltd (GPIL) , Singer India Limited, Avro, CEF, and JAMMU PIGMENTS LIMITED. He also advises dss+, a multinational metals and mining corporation, bringing strategic insight into global resource development.
A respected thought leader, Dr. Duggal has held key positions on international industry bodies. He has been Chairman of the Skill Council for Mining Sector in India, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry - National Mining Committee, Co-Chair of FICCI Nonferrous Metals, President of the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (#FIMI), and Chairman of both the International Zinc Association (IZA) and the Indian Lead Zinc Development Association, among other global forums.
"The challenge is not in extracting resources, but in doing so in a way that ensures environmental integrity and social upliftment. Natural resources are not inherited from our ancestors but borrowed from our children."
Laxman Shekhawat is a globally recognized mining operations executive with over 35 years of distinguished experience across the mining, metals, and energy sectors. Currently serving as the Business Head of Bhumi Ventures, he brings a wealth of expertise developed through leadership roles at industry-leading organizations including Hindustan Zinc, Vedanta Group, Adani Enterprises, and Jindal Steel & Power Limited. Shekhawat’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to sustainable mining practices, emphasizing the efficient and responsible utilization of earth’s finite natural resources—whether through open-cast or underground operations. His operational philosophy integrates environmental stewardship with social upliftment, setting new benchmarks in resource extraction.
Prior to joining Bhumi Ventures, he held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Jindal Steel & Power Limited, where he managed one of the largest coking coal operations in Tete, Mozambique. Between 2022 and 2024, he led mining operations as COO at Adani Enterprises. From 2020 to 2022, he was the Business Head of Vedanta Zinc International, overseeing the company’s lead and zinc ventures in South Africa and Namibia. He was also the Director of Operations at Hindustan Zinc Limited, contributing significantly to mine expansion and operational excellence, enabling the company to rank among the world’s largest zinc producers.
In addition to his operational roles, Shekhawat has played an instrumental part in Mergers & Acquisitions and Change Management initiatives, facilitating seamless organizational integration and driving efficiency improvements.
His proficiency in process standardization and global best practice implementation has consistently delivered cost optimization and enhanced control frameworks. Recognized for his visionary leadership and strategic foresight, Laxman Shekhawat has been honoured with the prestigious National Geoscience Award and the CSIR Award. He is widely regarded as a strategist and pioneer in the global metals and mining industry, continuously driving innovation and sustainable growth.
"Operational efficiency is not just a metric it's a mindset. In mining, every process we optimize, every second we save, and every resource we conserve drives us closer to long-term value and resilience. Efficiency is where performance and purpose intersect."
Vinod Wagh is a seasoned metal and mining senior professional, having 30 years of highly qualified experience in managing business, projects, operations and engineering of large set up.
In the career span of 30 years, Vinod has handled various leadership role of smelting and power business of Hindustan Zinc (a Vedanta Group company) as Director Smelters & Power Business. He has handled operation & projects of one of the world s largest copper smelting & refining operation in Sterlite Copper (1998 -2015). During last 3 years (2022-2024), he has worked as CEO in Samta Metals & Minerals Limited, to develop metal & mining business as well as metal scrap recycling business in Africa.
Vinod has been instrumental in formulating business strategies, mergers & acquisition, process standardization & system implementation, while bringing global best practices into the organization that have led to cost optimization through asset optimisation, ESG stewardship, leveraging best in class technology, benchmark practices, innovative business approach, focus on digitisation, driving business growth through greenfield as well as brownfield expansion.
"Mining exploration is the art of turning uncertainty into opportunity — where every drill hole tells a story, and every discovery can change the world."
A highly experienced and skilled Geologist with over 15 years of extensive experience in geology, mining, and seismology. With a proven track record of leading geological teams and managing mining operations. His proficiency in geological mapping, ore body delineation, and 3D modelling has been instrumental in de-risking exploration projects and guiding strategic Mine Planning.
Surya has consistently demonstrated expertise in overcoming geological uncertainties, difficult terrain mapping, and resource estimation in underexplored and structurally complex regions.
With a master’s degree in Geology and hands-on experience in India and the Democratic Republic of Congo, he has led exploration initiatives in diverse geological settings, ensuring data-driven decision-making and operational sustainability in high-risk environments.
"I have always believed that a CFO is not just the guardian of an organization's financial health he is a strategic partner who transforms numbers into insights, drives sustainable growth, and ensures the business remains resilient in an ever-changing economic landscape."
Pradip Toshniwal is a seasoned finance professional with over 12 years of experience in managing complex financial operations across dynamic and capital-intensive industries. A Chartered Accountant and commerce graduate, he currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Bhumi Ventures. Pradip brings deep expertise in financial planning, budgeting, cost control, and investment strategy. His leadership has been instrumental in driving financial stability, resource optimization, and regulatory compliance. He is known for his strategic acumen, analytical rigor, and ability to align financial practices with broader business objectives. Pradip's oversight has significantly contributed to improved profitability, operational efficiency, and quality assurance. His collaborative approach enables strong cross-functional partnerships with executive teams, facilitating data-driven decision-making and long-term value creation. As a trusted financial leader, Pradip continues to play a critical role in shaping and executing strategic growth initiatives.
"In mining, commercial success isn’t just about what you extract from the ground—it's about how efficiently you move it, how smartly you source it, and how strategically you sell it. Operational excellence is the true driver of sustainable value."
Mukesh Samota brings over 24 years of multifaceted experience with a strong commercial operations focus across diverse industries, including global automobile manufacturing, electrical and agricultural equipment production, and the mining sector. His expertise lies in driving commercial efficiency, streamlining supply chains, and aligning operational strategies with business growth objectives. In his current role overseeing commercial operations in the DR Congo mining sector, Samota plays a key role in managing procurement, vendor relations, logistics, and cost optimization for the production of metals such as copper, cobalt, and nickel.
Earlier in his career, at Mahindra & Mahindra, he was instrumental in improving operational workflows, directly contributing to enhanced throughput and quality standards—laying a foundation for commercially scalable processes.
Known for his strategic leadership and results-driven mindset, Samota continues to focus on enhancing commercial performance, operational integration, and long-term value creation across all areas of responsibility.
