Professional Background and Expertise

Shri Deepak Gupta is a Mechanical Engineer from Delhi College of Engineering and brings over 35 years of extensive experience across the Oil & Gas value chain. Throughout his career, he has built a strong foundation in technical excellence, strategic planning, and board-level leadership.

His core expertise includes Project and Construction Management, Contracts and Global Procurement, Technology Selection, Business Development, and Operations & Maintenance. As a result, he consistently drives projects from conceptualization to successful commissioning while ensuring operational efficiency.

Leadership at GAIL

Shri Gupta joined GAIL as Director (Projects) in February 2022. Since then, he has actively led the execution of several high-impact initiatives. These initiatives span Natural Gas and LPG pipelines, Gas Processing Units, critical SCADA infrastructure, and Green Energy projects aligned with Net-Zero goals. Consequently, he continues to set national benchmarks for clean energy adoption.

In addition, he oversees the Operations and Maintenance of an extensive network of more than 20,000 km of Natural Gas and LPG pipelines, compressor stations, and process plants. Under his leadership, GAIL successfully completed the Dabhol Breakwater Project of Konkan LNG Limited, enabling reliable all-weather operations.

Moreover, as per gailonline.com, he has pioneered multiple digital transformation initiatives that have significantly enhanced operational agility, transparency, and performance across business verticals.

Strategic Roles in Joint Ventures

Beyond his executive role, Shri Gupta has played a pivotal part in shaping strategic direction at several joint ventures. He serves as Chairman of Talcher Fertilizers Limited, India’s first coal gasification-based fertilizer complex. He has also served as Director at ONGC Petro-additions Limited (OPaL) and South-East Asia Gas Pipeline Company Limited (SEAGP).

Previously, he chaired Green Gas Limited and Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited. Through these leadership positions, he strengthened corporate governance frameworks, aligned stakeholders with long-term objectives, and built future-ready business strategies.

Distinguished Career at Engineers India Limited

Before joining GAIL’s Board, Shri Gupta spent 32 years at Engineers India Limited, where he led large, cross-functional teams in delivering complex and landmark projects.

Notably, he contributed to the world’s largest single-train refinery project — the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria. He also led key assignments such as HMEL’s Mega Petrochemical Complex at Bathinda and GAIL’s Petrochemical Expansion at Pata.

Furthermore, he spearheaded Mongolia’s first greenfield refinery project, thereby strengthening India’s global energy diplomacy and international collaboration.

Thought Leadership and Knowledge Contribution

In addition to his operational achievements, Shri Gupta actively contributes to industry knowledge. He has authored several technical papers and articles on critical engineering packages and fast-track project execution. Over time, organizations have institutionalized his ideas on project acceleration, digitization, and operational excellence as best practices.

Through visionary leadership and sustained innovation, Shri Deepak Gupta continues to shape India’s energy infrastructure and accelerate the transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.

ITT Inc. has officially completed its acquisition of SPX FLOW, strengthening its position as a global leader in motion and fluid technologies. With this move, ITT expands its capabilities in highly engineered pump, mixing, and process solutions across attractive end markets.

Strengthening Strategic Growth

Through this acquisition, ITT immediately enhances its scale and diversification. The company integrates SPX FLOW’s portfolio into its existing operations to accelerate growth in high-margin markets such as food and beverage, energy, and industrial processing.

Moreover, ITT leverages SPX FLOW’s strong aftermarket presence and recurring revenue streams. By combining complementary product lines and customer relationships, ITT increases cross-selling opportunities and deepens its global footprint.

Driving Operational Synergies

ITT expects to unlock significant cost and revenue synergies in the coming years. The company plans to streamline operations, optimize supply chains, and apply its operational excellence model across the newly combined business.

Additionally, leadership will focus on disciplined capital allocation and margin expansion. By integrating systems and aligning performance standards, ITT aims to deliver improved profitability and long-term shareholder value.

Leadership Perspective

CEO Luca Savi emphasized that the acquisition marks a transformative step for ITT. He highlighted the strategic alignment between the two companies and expressed confidence in the combined team’s ability to execute growth initiatives effectively.

As per the ITT.com press release, the acquisition strengthens ITT’s portfolio of differentiated technologies while expanding its exposure to resilient and high-growth end markets.

Looking Ahead

Going forward, ITT will prioritize seamless integration and customer continuity. The company remains committed to innovation, operational discipline, and delivering sustainable returns.

Ultimately, by completing the SPX FLOW acquisition, ITT reinforces its long-term growth strategy and positions itself for enhanced competitive advantage in the global industrial marketplace.

Ducol Organics & Colours Limited, a rapidly growing chemical manufacturing company with over three decades of industry experience, has announced a strategic partnership with Qualibit Chemicals & Industries Sdn. Bhd. to expand its waterproofing and construction chemicals business across Southeast Asia.

According to the company’s press release, this collaboration marks a significant step in Ducol’s international expansion strategy and aims to establish a scalable export platform aligned with long-term growth objectives.

Strategic Collaboration to Drive Export Growth

Under the agreement, Ducol will supply waterproofing systems manufactured by its subsidiary, Bitumag, to Qualibit’s established ASEAN manufacturing and distribution network. Additionally, both companies will explore extending the partnership to products and capabilities arising from future strategic acquisitions in the waterproofing and construction chemicals sector, subject to mutual alignment.

Importantly, Ducol plans to allocate up to 20 percent of Bitumag’s chemicals production capacity for distribution in Malaysia through Qualibit’s regional network. This allocation will depend on operational planning and evolving market requirements. As a result, the company expects incremental, export-led growth while improving manufacturing utilisation.

Leveraging Regional Strength and Technical Expertise

Qualibit brings an integrated manufacturing and execution platform to the partnership. Reinforced by Polybit—its group’s established trading and distribution arm with a strong Southeast Asian presence—Qualibit operates across the region with ISO-certified quality systems, in-house laboratory capabilities, and a specification-driven sales model serving infrastructure, commercial, and industrial projects.

Furthermore, Qualibit’s technical execution model and applicator engagement network will likely accelerate market access, regulatory approvals, and customer adoption. Because of its established footprint, the company can provide faster project integration and deeper regional penetration.

A Partnership Built on Proven Operational Alignment

This collaboration builds on a longstanding working relationship between the two groups. Over the past five years, Polybit has sourced materials from Bitumag, creating a strong foundation based on product performance, supply reliability, and execution consistency.

Consequently, the transition to a direct collaboration with Qualibit represents a natural evolution of this association. It further aligns Ducol’s manufacturing capabilities with Qualibit’s established market presence across Southeast Asia.

Leadership Commitment to Strategic Expansion

John Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Qualibit Chemicals & Industries Sdn. Bhd., travelled to Mumbai to sign the Memorandum of Understanding, underscoring the importance of the partnership.

A civil engineer with nearly three decades of experience in construction chemicals and waterproofing systems, Martin brings extensive execution expertise across the Far East and Middle East markets through his association with Polybit. He is widely recognised for his hands-on involvement in project specifications, application methodologies, and technical problem-solving. Over the years, he has cultivated strong relationships with consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders throughout the region.

Manufacturing Backbone: Bitumag’s Scalable Capacity

At the operational level, Bitumag will anchor supply execution. With an installed membrane production capacity of approximately 10 million square meters per annum, the subsidiary offers scalable capabilities to meet rising export demand.

Therefore, this partnership not only enhances Ducol’s international footprint but also strengthens its manufacturing leverage and operational efficiency.

Leadership Commentary

Aamer Farid, Managing Director, Ducol Organics & Colours Limited, stated:

“This partnership represents a significant step in Ducol’s international expansion journey. After strengthening our presence in the Middle East through Altek, Southeast Asia was a natural progression given the region’s infrastructure momentum and demand for high-quality waterproofing systems. Qualibit’s strong technical and market execution capabilities complement our manufacturing strengths, particularly through the Bitumag platform and, over time, through future subsidiaries and strategic acquisitions aligned with this partnership.

As we expand globally, we remain focused on building sustainable industrial collaborations that enhance utilisation, improve operating leverage, and create long-term value for our shareholders.”

John Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Qualibit Chemicals & Industries Sdn. Bhd., added:

“We see strong alignment in partnering with Ducol, which brings a scalable manufacturing platform and deep expertise in construction chemicals. Our technical execution model and regional market access, combined with Ducol’s industrial capabilities, create a strong foundation for long-term collaboration across Southeast Asia. Subject to applicable regulations and approvals, we also see long-term alignment through potential equity acquisition from the open market, reflecting our confidence in Ducol’s manufacturing platform and growth trajectory.”

Strengthening a Resilient International Platform

Overall, this partnership reflects Ducol’s continued commitment to building a resilient international construction chemicals platform through calibrated market expansion and capability-led collaborations.

By combining its strengthened manufacturing base with Qualibit’s regional execution expertise—supported by Polybit’s distribution network—the company aims to create a sustainable pathway for export growth. At the same time, Ducol will maintain operational discipline and strategic alignment across markets.

Going forward, both companies will continue to evaluate opportunities to deepen their collaboration in line with evolving market conditions and shared long-term growth objectives.

MAIRE (MAIRE.MI) has announced that its subsidiary Tecnimont S.p.A. has secured a major Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for a large-scale petrochemical project.

Contract Scope and Value

The contract is valued at approximately USD 1.3 billion. Under the agreement, Tecnimont will execute the engineering, procurement, and construction activities for a hydrocarbon plant. In addition, the company will develop the associated utilities and offsite facilities required to support the plant’s operations.

Project Timeline and Strategic Significance

The project is scheduled for completion by 2031. As per the press release, this award further strengthens MAIRE’s position in the global petrochemical sector and reinforces Tecnimont’s expertise in delivering complex, large-scale industrial projects.

Overall, this contract represents a significant milestone for the group and highlights its continued growth in the energy and petrochemical markets.

Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemical company, has announced a strategic collaboration with Vertimass LLC to accelerate the development and commercialization of advanced zeolite catalysts. Together, the companies will scale Vertimass’ proprietary Consolidated Alcohols Deoxygenation and Oligomerization (CADO) process, which converts biobased alcohols into liquid transportation fuels.

Through this partnership, Clariant will apply more than 60 years of expertise in zeolite catalyst development to help move Vertimass’ innovative technology toward commercial deployment. By combining complementary strengths, both companies aim to advance sustainable fuel production and support the global energy transition.

Technical Expertise to Drive Industrial Scale-Up

Under the agreement, Clariant will provide comprehensive technical support to scale the CADO technology for commercial production. Specifically, the company will:

• Contribute advanced zeolite catalyst development expertise
• Provide industrial scale-up guidance
• Supply catalyst samples for development and testing
• Deliver detailed characterization services to assess catalyst properties and performance
• Offer ongoing technical consultation from its zeolite specialists

As per the press release, this collaboration builds on an established relationship between the two companies and focuses on optimizing catalyst performance while enabling efficient scale-up.

Leadership Perspectives on the Collaboration

Gene Mueller, Vice President and Head of Ethylene for Clariant Catalysts, emphasized the importance of the initiative. He stated that the partnership represents a significant advancement in renewable fuel production. Moreover, he highlighted the strong commercial and environmental potential of Vertimass’ alcohol-to-fuel conversion process. By integrating process innovation with proven catalyst development and scale-up capabilities, Clariant intends to accelerate the path to market.

Similarly, Charles E. Wyman, President and CEO of Vertimass, underscored the value of Clariant’s deep technical knowledge. He noted that Clariant’s expertise in zeolite catalyst development and commercial-scale implementation makes the company an ideal partner to help deploy CADO technology globally.

Advancing Sustainable Fuel Production

Vertimass’ proprietary CADO technology enables the catalytic conversion of sustainable methanol, ethanol, and other alcohols into liquid fuels compatible with existing vehicles and aircraft. As a result, the process offers a practical and environmentally beneficial pathway to reduce carbon emissions without requiring major infrastructure changes.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Irvine, California, Vertimass focuses on developing and licensing breakthrough technologies for renewable fuel production. Meanwhile, Clariant continues to strengthen its position as a leader in customized zeolite platforms and industrial catalyst scale-up.

Supporting the Global Energy Transition

Ultimately, this collaboration underscores Clariant’s commitment to advancing zeolite catalyst innovation and enabling sustainable chemistry solutions. By working together, Clariant and Vertimass aim to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and commercial biofuel production, thereby accelerating the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources worldwide.

Mineral exploration in South America continues to grow at a moderate yet steady pace. Fernando Rivera, geologist and member of the proEXPLO 2026 Organizing Committee, emphasizes that the region has maintained consistent momentum in recent years.

In 2023, exploration spending in South America increased by 12%. Moreover, nearly half of the global copper exploration budget was invested in the region. Looking ahead, projections indicate annual growth in exploration investment of between 5% and 6% through 2033.

As per the press release, this sustained expansion confirms South America’s strategic importance in the global search for critical minerals, particularly copper.

However, Rivera stresses that maintaining this trajectory requires decisive action. Governments and stakeholders must strengthen regulatory and social certainty, establish clear rules, and ensure predictable permitting processes. At the same time, companies must adopt new technologies and improve access to high-quality geological data to accelerate decision-making.

Exploring Better and Deeper

At the technical level, exploration strategies are also evolving. Drawing on his experience at Antofagasta Minerals, Rivera explains that companies are increasingly targeting deeper deposits with higher technical risk. They support these efforts with advanced tools, integrated geological models, and improved data analysis.

Projects such as Filo del Sol, Alpala, Cachorro, and Encierro featured at the Core Shack demonstrate the significant mineral potential associated with this exploration approach. These initiatives highlight how innovation and technical rigor can unlock new discoveries across diverse geological environments in South America.

By combining deeper exploration with cutting-edge methodologies, companies enhance their ability to identify large-scale deposits that traditional surface-focused exploration might overlook.

The Core Shack: A Strategic Technical Platform

Rivera explains that the Core Shack was designed as a high-level technical forum where drill core serves as the focal point of discussion. This platform allows geologists and industry professionals to compare geological models, validate targeting criteria, and evaluate exploration risks and opportunities based on tangible evidence.

Through this initiative, organizers promote in-depth technical dialogue grounded in real geological data. As a result, they strengthen collaboration among industry players and encourage knowledge exchange across borders.

For the 2026 edition, 16 of the 20 available project slots have already been confirmed. Organizers selected these projects using clear technical criteria. They prioritized recent and relevant regional discoveries in advanced exploration stages, while also highlighting high-quality early-stage projects in Peru. Consequently, the exhibition will showcase both consolidated results and emerging opportunities.

A Regional Vision with Global Impact

The participation of projects from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Peru provides a comprehensive regional perspective. This diversity integrates multiple geological settings and mineralization styles, reflecting a broad range of metallogenetic environments.

By presenting this comparative view, the Core Shack enriches technical analysis and expands attendees’ understanding of South America’s exploration potential.

Ultimately, proEXPLO 2026 reaffirms its role as a critical technical platform. It fosters knowledge exchange, encourages rigorous debate, and supports the discoveries that will shape the future of mineral exploration in the region.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (BPCL) Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant at Brahmapuram near Kochi. Kochi has become the first city in Kerala to commission a CBG plant dedicated to treating biodegradable municipal solid waste. With this project, the state has taken a major step toward scientific and sustainable waste management.

150 TPD Waste Processing Capacity

The newly commissioned plant will process 150 tons per day (TPD) of source-segregated biodegradable municipal solid waste (MSW). Once fully operational, the facility will generate:

*5.6 tonnes of compressed biogas (CBG) daily

*28 tonnes of organic manure per day

The initiative creates a mutually beneficial partnership between BPCL and the Kochi Corporation. While BPCL strengthens its clean energy portfolio, the city gains a long-term solution to mounting municipal waste challenges.

How the CBG Plant Converts Waste into Energy

The plant follows a systematic waste-to-energy process. First, workers remove non-biodegradable materials such as plastic and metal. They then segregate, shred, and mix the biodegradable waste with water to form slurry.

Next, the slurry enters large anaerobic digesters, where microorganisms decompose the waste in the absence of oxygen. This biological process produces biogas and digestate as by-products. Finally, the facility upgrades the biogas into compressed biogas (CBG), while the digestate is processed into nutrient-rich organic manure. As a result, the plant converts urban waste into clean energy and valuable agricultural inputs.

Expansion Plans Across Kerala

Building on this milestone, the Kerala government plans to establish similar CBG plants in Kozhikode, Kollam, Palakkad, Thrissur, and Kottayam. Once these facilities become operational, the state expects significant improvements in biodegradable waste management and clean energy generation.

Boost to Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

Importantly, the Brahmapuram CBG plant demonstrates how public-sector energy companies can collaborate with urban local bodies to address environmental challenges. By transforming municipal waste into renewable fuel and organic manure, the project supports circular economy principles and reduces landfill dependence. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the commissioning of the Kochi CBG plant marks a significant advancement in Kerala’s sustainable waste management and bioenergy infrastructure.

The National Critical and Strategic Minerals Committee, constituted by NITI Aayog, has urged coordinated action between public and private mining companies to boost India’s self-reliance in critical minerals. The panel emphasised the need to accelerate exploration, expand research and development (R&D), and forge strategic partnerships to unlock the country’s untapped mineral reserves. With global demand rising rapidly, the committee stressed that India must act decisively to secure long-term supply chains.

Addressing Demand-Supply Gaps and Policy Support

During its deliberations, the committee reviewed India’s current demand-supply scenario, exploration opportunities across various states, and the technological and policy interventions required to strengthen domestic production.

Members highlighted the strategic importance of lithium, rare earth elements (REEs), cobalt, and nickel — minerals that are essential for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, defence applications, and advanced manufacturing.

Although India possesses reserves of several of these minerals, limited exploration and mining activities have resulted in continued import dependence. Therefore, the panel called for a coordinated national effort involving both government agencies and private mining firms to close supply gaps and reduce vulnerabilities.

Rising Demand Fuels Urgency

Industry Initiatives Gain Momentum

Industry representatives also shared ongoing initiatives aimed at recovering valuable minerals from unconventional sources. Buddhaprakash Jyoti, Chairman and Managing Director of Singareni Collieries Company Limited, outlined efforts to extract rare earth elements from overburden and clays at opencast coal mines. Additionally, he noted that valuable minerals are being recovered from fly ash and bottom ash generated at the Singareni Thermal Power Plant. These initiatives demonstrate how mining and power companies can integrate resource recovery into existing operations.

Time-Bound Action Plan Ahead

R Saravanabhavan, Deputy Advisor (Minerals) at NITI Aayog and Member Secretary of the committee, confirmed that the panel will follow a time-bound roadmap to finalise and submit its recommendations. As reported by knnindia.co.in, overall, the committee’s deliberations underscore the growing importance of public-private collaboration in securing critical minerals — a cornerstone for India’s energy security, industrial growth, and technological advancement.

Blue Jet Healthcare Ltd is set to break ground on a ₹2,300 crore greenfield pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at Rambilli Industrial Park in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. With this investment, the company aims to significantly expand its specialty chemicals and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) capabilities in India.

102-Acre Facility to Boost Specialty Manufacturing

The upcoming plant will span 102 acres and will manufacture contrast media intermediates, high-intensity sweeteners, and multipurpose chemistry products. The company will develop the facility in phases, with commercial operations expected to begin by FY2028–29. The expansion marks a major step in scaling up high-value pharmaceutical intermediates. It will strengthen India’s position in the global pharma supply chain.

Strengthening Global CDMO Footprint

Founded in 1968 as Jet Chemicals Pvt Ltd, Blue Jet Healthcare has evolved into an integrated CDMO supplying advanced pharmaceutical intermediates and APIs across India, Europe, and the United States. Notably, the company is a key global player in contrast media intermediates and was among the early manufacturers of saccharin in India. Over the years, it has built strong process chemistry capabilities, scale-up expertise, and regulatory-compliant manufacturing systems. Through the Rambilli project, the company plans to deepen engagement with multinational pharmaceutical clients. These clients are seeking supply-chain diversification beyond single geographies.

ESG-Focused, Sustainable Manufacturing

Importantly, the new facility will integrate advanced sustainability features. The plant will incorporate zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technology along with an advanced effluent treatment system connected to marine discharge infrastructure. The company designed the system to reduce energy consumption by nearly 70 percent and recover 90–95 percent of wastewater. As global pharmaceutical companies tighten ESG benchmarks and environmental compliance requirements. This approach positions Blue Jet Healthcare as a responsible and future-ready manufacturing partner.

Leadership Driving Long-Term Growth

Under the leadership of Executive Chairman Akshay Bansarilal Arora and Managing Director Shiven Akshay Arora, the company is strengthening its growth strategy. It continues to focus on high-value specialty intermediates and sustainable pharma manufacturing. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the ₹2,300 crore investment underscores Blue Jet Healthcare’s long-term growth strategy. It also reinforces Andhra Pradesh’s emergence as a major pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.

Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL) is set to manufacture India’s longest onshore wind turbine blades, measuring 91.2 metres, at its Mundra facility in Gujarat. With this move, the company positions itself at the forefront of India’s transition toward higher-capacity wind turbines and enhanced energy generation from low- and medium-wind sites.

Technological Leap in Wind Blade Manufacturing

Currently, the Mundra plant produces wind turbine blades of 78.6 metres and 80.5 metres. However, the new 91.2-metre blade marks a significant advancement in composite materials engineering, aerodynamic design, and precision manufacturing. The company has already installed the first set of these blades on a new turbine platform. It will commence serial production within this calendar year, signalling a rapid commercial rollout.

Larger Rotor, Higher Energy Yield

Blade length directly impacts rotor diameter and, in turn, energy capture. A 91.2-metre blade enables a rotor diameter of nearly 185 metres, sweeping approximately 26,600 square metres. As a result, the turbine can harness more kinetic energy from the wind. The expanded swept area improves capacity utilisation and increases overall power output, making projects more economically viable.

Unlocking Low and Medium Wind Potential in India

The development is particularly significant for India, where a large share of untapped wind potential exists in low- and medium-wind regimes. Turbines rated above 5 MW, supported by longer blades and higher hub heights, can now make such sites commercially attractive. Consequently, the shift toward larger turbines reflects both India’s geographical realities and ongoing technological progress in the wind energy sector.

Scaling Manufacturing Capacity at Mundra

Currently, the Mundra facility has a blade manufacturing capacity of 2.25 GW per annum, equivalent to roughly 450 blade sets. Going forward, ANIL plans to scale this capacity to 5 GW in phases, with a long-term target of reaching 10 GW. The company has earmarked investments of up to ₹3,000 crore in wind manufacturing at the site. Future capital expenditure will focus on automation, advanced tooling systems, and the development of recyclable blade materials, aligning with sustainability goals.

Strengthening India’s Global Wind Position

As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, India currently ranks fourth globally in cumulative installed wind capacity, with approximately 55 GW deployed. In addition, the country boasts nearly 20 GW of annual wind manufacturing capacity and achieves localisation levels of 70–80 per cent across the wind value chain. Therefore, initiatives such as the 91.2-metre blade manufacturing project further reinforce India’s emergence as a global wind manufacturing hub while accelerating the clean energy transition.