NEW DELHI, August 7. /TASS/. BRICS member states have backed Russia's initiatives to expand cooperation in metallurgy, mining, critical minerals, and digitalization during a ministerial meeting in Jaipur, India, Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Alexey Gruzdev told TASS.

"Among the initiatives we put forward are those in the mining and metallurgy sectors. These industries are developing successfully and dynamically across most BRICS nations. In Russia, the mining and metallurgical sectors have traditionally formed the foundation of industrial growth, and we offer a wide range of advanced technological solutions," said Gruzdev, who had attended the meeting

According to the deputy minister, Russia's proposals are comprehensive and extend far beyond raw material supplies.

"This is not just about coal shipments. It encompasses plants, equipment, EPC solutions, mineral processing technologies, element separation, the construction of value chains, and compliance with environmental standards. Our proposals were comprehensive, covering best practices, production management experience, automation, the development of new manufacturing equipment, standardization, and lean manufacturing," Gruzdev noted.

He emphasized that the Russian proposals were well-received by partners. "At this meeting, our initiatives received a positive response. This sector is expanding in every BRICS country, and there is a large number of deposits that need to be developed and brought into commercial operation," he concluded.