Rajkumar Agrawal: Leading The Way With Responsible Mining
Rajkumar Agarwal,
Managing Director & CEO
Rajkumar's journey in mining began with humble origins, drawing inspiration from his father, from whom he learned the fundamentals of the business and trade. However, his true passion ignited during his college days when he ventured into manufacturing, with a keen focus on optimizing resource utilization and minimizing wastage. Over the years, he diversified from manufacturing into mining while continuing to champion sustainable practices at the core of his operations. His visionary approach ensures that Eshan Minerals not only contributes to economic progress but also operates responsibly, making a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole.
Rajkumar engages in an exclusive conversation with CEO Insights.
Take us through your life as a professional.
I was raised in Burhanpur, a small town in Madhya Pradesh. At the age of 18, while still pursuing my studies, I took my first steps into entrepreneurship with very limited resources. This not only laid the foundation for my future but also provided job opportunities to several young individuals in remote towns. My initial venture in the lime plaster industry was rooted in Burhanpur, a town that nurtured me. However, my desire for growth led me to Maharashtra, where I saw untapped business potential and new opportunities. I established my
second lime plaster manufacturing unit in Jalgaon and later expanded to two more units. Yet, my commitment to excellence in terms of quality and customer satisfaction left me wanting more. I embarked on backward integration, meticulously overseeing every aspect of the manufacturing process. This journey led me to Nagpur, where I secured a network of mines for a stable raw material supply, shifting my focus from manufacturing to mining.
I have consistently focused on the well-being of my employees and the satisfaction of my customers.Today, my focus lies on sustainable mining practices, and I am always open to implementing cutting-edge technologies that reduce environmental impact while adhering to zero wastage strategies.
What motivates your daily routine?
Business is my passion, my hobby, and the driving force behind my everyday routine. Taking risks, facing challenges, and expanding our plants to reach new markets bring me joy on this journey.
Highlight some challenges you encountered initially.
The challenges were numerous, particularly in dealing with individuals as a youngster, which was a significant hurdle. Acknowledging my own weaknesses in this area, I realized that hiring the right talent to complement my skills was crucial for success. While striving to improve my weak points, entrusting certain tasks to professionals proved to be the best strategy. Furthermore, starting the business as a young student made establishing brand value a daunting task, but determination and perseverance prevailed. However, I have been determined to never turn back. My constant aim has been to grow ahead. With this steadfast resolve, I navigated obstacles head-on, continuously managing and overcoming them.
Define Eshan Minerals as an organization and its USPs.
Established in 1985, Eshan Minerals is the first in India to obtain ISI certification for high-quality hydrated Lime Plaster. We take pride in manufacturing excellent quality Calcined Dolomite catering to
Eshan Minerals has always been focused on zero wastage & optimized resource utilization
I have consistently focused on the well-being of my employees and the satisfaction of my customers.Today, my focus lies on sustainable mining practices, and I am always open to implementing cutting-edge technologies that reduce environmental impact while adhering to zero wastage strategies.
What motivates your daily routine?
Business is my passion, my hobby, and the driving force behind my everyday routine. Taking risks, facing challenges, and expanding our plants to reach new markets bring me joy on this journey.
Highlight some challenges you encountered initially.
The challenges were numerous, particularly in dealing with individuals as a youngster, which was a significant hurdle. Acknowledging my own weaknesses in this area, I realized that hiring the right talent to complement my skills was crucial for success. While striving to improve my weak points, entrusting certain tasks to professionals proved to be the best strategy. Furthermore, starting the business as a young student made establishing brand value a daunting task, but determination and perseverance prevailed. However, I have been determined to never turn back. My constant aim has been to grow ahead. With this steadfast resolve, I navigated obstacles head-on, continuously managing and overcoming them.
Define Eshan Minerals as an organization and its USPs.
Established in 1985, Eshan Minerals is the first in India to obtain ISI certification for high-quality hydrated Lime Plaster. We take pride in manufacturing excellent quality Calcined Dolomite catering to
various industrial sectors. Our flagship brand, Eshan Gold, has been a market leader in the lime-based product category for over 35 years.
What sets us apart is our commitment to exceptional quality, customer service, and value for money. We prioritize the use of advanced technology in our mining and manufacturing facilities. As we expand our operations across India and venture into the global market, we proudly support the "Vocal for Local" initiative, contributing to India's rich tradition and domestic manufacturing growth while reducing import dependency.
Tell us about your leadership traits and the company’s roadmap.
As a leader, my unwavering commitment is to provide the best to my team and clients, regardless of challenges or profit losses. I strive to shield my employees from any adverse impacts, fostering a work environment where everyone feels valued and supported, just like a family. Looking ahead, my vision for the future is ambitious we aim to expand our current mining and manufacturing facilities to become India’s leading company in our field of expertise. My goal is to increase our turnover tenfold within the next five years. Recently, we have set up a new manufacturing unit that uses advanced Italian technology to optimize mineral and fuel usage, delivering a high-quality end product. It is India's first fully automated plant for the Dolomite mineral and a significant step forward for the Dolomite industry in the country.
What's your advice to budding industry leaders?
Value time, prioritize the needs of your team and clients, and consistently deliver quality products and services that offer value for their price. By embodying these principles, you can build strong relationships, foster loyalty, and achieve long-term success in your industry.
Rajkumar Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Eshan Minerals
Under Rajkumar's leadership, Eshan Minerals has secured various awards in the past years during the celebration of Metalliferous Mines and Safety Week and Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation(MEMC), including accolades for Vocational Training & First Aid, Sustainable Development, Occupational Health, Safety, and Welfare Amenities, and Dust Suppression. The impact of his business in Jalgaon earned him recognition as the Best Entrepreneur by DIC
What sets us apart is our commitment to exceptional quality, customer service, and value for money. We prioritize the use of advanced technology in our mining and manufacturing facilities. As we expand our operations across India and venture into the global market, we proudly support the "Vocal for Local" initiative, contributing to India's rich tradition and domestic manufacturing growth while reducing import dependency.
Tell us about your leadership traits and the company’s roadmap.
As a leader, my unwavering commitment is to provide the best to my team and clients, regardless of challenges or profit losses. I strive to shield my employees from any adverse impacts, fostering a work environment where everyone feels valued and supported, just like a family. Looking ahead, my vision for the future is ambitious we aim to expand our current mining and manufacturing facilities to become India’s leading company in our field of expertise. My goal is to increase our turnover tenfold within the next five years. Recently, we have set up a new manufacturing unit that uses advanced Italian technology to optimize mineral and fuel usage, delivering a high-quality end product. It is India's first fully automated plant for the Dolomite mineral and a significant step forward for the Dolomite industry in the country.
What's your advice to budding industry leaders?
Value time, prioritize the needs of your team and clients, and consistently deliver quality products and services that offer value for their price. By embodying these principles, you can build strong relationships, foster loyalty, and achieve long-term success in your industry.
Rajkumar Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Eshan Minerals
Under Rajkumar's leadership, Eshan Minerals has secured various awards in the past years during the celebration of Metalliferous Mines and Safety Week and Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation(MEMC), including accolades for Vocational Training & First Aid, Sustainable Development, Occupational Health, Safety, and Welfare Amenities, and Dust Suppression. The impact of his business in Jalgaon earned him recognition as the Best Entrepreneur by DIC