On August 7, 2025, Gautam Adani, head of Adani Group, spoke at IIM Lucknow about the tough journey to build the Carmichael coal mine in Australia. He said the world saw his company as “villains,” with banks refusing money, insurance companies saying no, activists blocking roads, and lawsuits piling up. “Our people were harassed, and our right to be there was questioned. Everywhere we turned, they told us to give up,” he said. But Adani didn’t back down, calling it a test of strength for him and his company.
The world against one company? That’s a huge battle!
Why the Mine Matters
Adani said the Carmichael mine wasn’t just about coal—it was about helping India get better, cleaner coal to keep lights on and cut carbon emissions. He explained it was for India’s energy needs, not just profit. The mine, in Queensland, faced protests because it’s in a country with strict rules, and Adani had no connections there. “We had no friends in Australia, no history, no support,” he said. Still, they kept going, and now the mine supports jobs in Australia and powers Indian industries with cleaner coal.
Cleaner coal for India? That’s a big goal!
A Lesson in Courage
Adani’s speech wasn’t a boring business talk—no slides or charts. He shared a real story about standing strong when everyone’s against you. He told students that big dreams face big pushback, but that’s what makes great leaders. “The easy road doesn’t make a life worth remembering,” he said. He talked about how India needs to grow its own way, even when the world wants it to focus only on green energy. The mine, he said, is a story of not giving up, like building a new path where none exists.
No slides, just real talk? Adani’s got guts!
Bigger Than Coal
The Carmichael project is now a key link between India and Australia, helping both economies. Adani said it’s not about digging coal but about proving India can stand tall against global pressure. He admitted the project’s environmental concerns split opinions but said it’s about balancing growth and energy needs. An X post from @ANI said, “Gautam Adani at IIM Lucknow: Carmichael mine was about India’s energy security, not just coal!”
A mine linking two countries? That’s more than just digging!