Dr Saptarshi Das is a firm believer that sustainability and profitability can be achieved simultaneously. To this end, he has focused his activities and investments on clean technology and affordable education. He heads the global Decision Science division of the energy major Shell. He has extensive knowledge of the technology and economics of energy systems, ranging from the molecular to the geopolitical level. Earlier in his career, he worked with Morgan Stanley and Siemens.

Saptarshi has a strong technical background. He holds a Master's degree in Applied Statistics and Informatics from IIT Bombay and earned his PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Vienna. He has numerous patents and publications in top journals to his credit.

AL Circle: We are witnessing the increasingly important role played by Data Science and Exponential Tech in the Metal & Mining World as well as the 'traditional' of 'physical' industries. Can you please share your thoughts?

Dr Saptarshi: The integration of digital and physical systems will keep advancing, bringing them closer together. Heavy industries, mining, and minerals are already experiencing benefits from exponential technologies like AI. These advancements are being utilised in areas such as the exploration of resources, optimisation of production processes, supply chain management, safety, sustainability, and marketing. This is only the beginning, with more advancement to come, leading to new business models.