B. Prabhakaran

B. Prabhakaran
Born
Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
EducationPSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore
(B.E. in Computer Science Engineering)
OccupationsMining executive, entrepreneur
Organization(s)Thriveni Earthmovers Pvt. Ltd.
Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited
TitleManaging Director

B. Prabhakaran is an Indian mining executive and entrepreneur who serves as Managing Director of Thriveni Earthmovers Pvt. Ltd. and Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited.[1][2]

Early life and education

Prabhakaran was born in Salem, Tamil Nadu, into a farming family.[1] He completed his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science Engineering from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.[1]

He began his career in the early 1990s with a modest equipment rental business, starting with a single hydraulic excavator in 1993.[1] He initially provided equipment on hire to granite quarries and later secured mining contracts with Hindustan Copper and India Cements in Odisha.[1]

Career

Thriveni Earthmovers Pvt. Ltd.

In 1991, Prabhakaran founded Thriveni Earthmovers Pvt. Ltd. as a partnership firm with family members.[1] The company initially focused on equipment rental and small contracts, later expanding into mine development and operations.[1] According to reports, Thriveni provided services to major clients including India Cements Ltd, L&T, Madras Aluminium Co, Neyveli Lignite Corporation.[1] In 2000, Thriveni won the Breakwater Project "Seabird", a joint venture project of the Indian Navy, L&T, and Hochtief.[1]

The company expanded significantly in Odisha's iron ore sector in the 2000s. By 2012, Thriveni had grown to handle approximately 40 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of run-of-mine operations, including coal, iron ore, limestone, bauxite, copper, lignite, and graphite, becoming India's largest mine development and operations (MDO) contractor.[1] According to reports, the company's turnover grew from $5 million to over $350 million, with operations extending to Southeast Asia and Africa.[1]

From 2020 to 2023, Prabhakaran served as Chief Executive Officer and Vice President Director at PT Darma Henwa Tbk in Indonesia.[3]

During the period of rapid expansion of mining activity in Odisha in the late 2000s and early 2010s, the sector as a whole was subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny, including investigations by the Shah Commission into mining practices across the state. Media reports noted that Thriveni Earthmovers was among several contractors examined during this process.[1] Prabhakaran stated that Thriveni operated strictly as a mining services contractor providing equipment and technical expertise, and denied allegations of profit-sharing or de facto control of mining leases. According to available public records and reporting, neither Prabhakaran nor Thriveni Earthmovers has been convicted of any offence in connection with these matters.[1]

Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd.

On 7 October 2021, Prabhakaran joined the Board of Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited as Co-Promoter and Managing Director, following Thriveni's strategic investment in the company.[2]

Under his leadership, the company initiated and sustained iron ore mining operations in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, a region formerly affected by Naxal-Maoist insurgency. The company announced a ₹25,000 crore steel expansion project in the region.[2] According to the company, Lloyds saw a 730% increase in production within three years and its market capitalization grew from ₹200 crores to ₹70,000 crores.[4]

Prabhakaran is also associated with Geomysore Services (India), which operates a private gold mine in Andhra Pradesh.[5]

Sustainability initiatives

Prabhakaran, through Lloyds Metals, has implemented various sustainability and community development initiatives.[2][4][6][7]

At Surjagarh in Gadchiroli, the company has deployed electric vehicle fleets and an 87-kilometre slurry pipeline to reduce carbon emissions.[4] The company reports implementing afforestation programs, planting over 1.1 million saplings across Gadchiroli.[4]

Through the Lloyds Infinite Foundation, the company has supported programs including employment for surrendered Naxalites, emergency medical airlift services in Maoist-affected areas, education and skill development for tribal communities, and women empowerment initiatives.[6][7]

Awards and recognition

In January 2024, Prabhakaran was honoured with the Gadchiroli Gaurav Award by the Gadchiroli Press Club for his contributions to the development of Gadchiroli district.[8] The award was presented at a ceremony attended by Maharashtra's Minister for Food and Drug Administration Dharmarao Baba Atram and other dignitaries.[8]

In July 2024, the Surjagarh Iron Ore Mines operated by Lloyds Metals and Energy under Prabhakaran's leadership received a 5-star rating from the Indian Bureau of Mines under the Union Ministry of Mines for operational excellence and green innovation.[9] Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy presented the award in a ceremony held in Jaipur. The five-star rating is awarded to mines scoring above 90% in all modules under the Sustainable Development Framework.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "How a contractor from Tamil Nadu carved out an enormous mining empire in Odisha". Scroll.in. 18 October 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d "Lloyds Metals' ₹25,000 crore steel expansion to boost Gadchiroli's development". The Economic Times. 7 October 2025. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
  3. ^ "Mr. B. Prabhakaran". ADIRA. 6 June 2020. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d "A Maverick on Green Growth: B Prabhakaran, MD, Lloyds Metals & Energy". The CSR Universe. 7 November 2025. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
  5. ^ "India for first private gold mining since Independence". Construction Week Online. 7 October 2025. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Lloyds Metals and Energy ready to provide jobs to surrendered Naxals in Gadchiroli". The Economic Times. 18 October 2025. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
  7. ^ a b "Heart Attack in Maoist Zone: Lloyds MD airlifts ailing cop". The Times of India. 21 March 2025. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
  8. ^ a b "B. Prabhakaran honored with Press Club's Gadchiroli Gaurav Award". D Voice. 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Surjagarh Iron Ore Mines of Lloyds Gets 5-Star Rating". The Times of India. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
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