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Billionaire Profile
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Global Rank
#921

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Anil Agarwal & family

CEO, Mining
INDIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.538B
Estimated based on Mining stock value as of March 6, 2026
+6.9% (24h)
Age
72
Source
mining, metals
Industry
Metals & Mining
Citizenship
INDIA

Biography

Anil Agarwal, the founder and chairman of Vedanta Resources Limited, is a prominent figure in the global mining and metals industry. Born in Patna, India, he started his career in the scrap metal business before building a vast conglomerate. With a net worth of $4.2 billion as of August 2025, Agarwal's journey from a modest background to a billionaire is a testament to his ambition and business acumen. His company, Vedanta, has operations across the globe and has significantly contributed to India's natural resources sector. Agarwal has pledged to donate over 75% of his wealth to charity, emphasizing his commitment to social responsibility.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Anil Agarwal was born in 1954 in Patna, Bihar, India, to a Marwadi family. His father had a small business. At the age of 19, he left Patna to explore career opportunities in Mumbai.

Rise to Success

Agarwal's entrepreneurial journey began in the mid-1970s with scrap metal trading. In 1976, he acquired Shamsher Sterling Corporation. He later founded Sterlite Industries, which became the first private sector company in India to set up a copper smelter and refinery. Through strategic acquisitions, including stakes in Bharat Aluminium Company and Hindustan Zinc Limited, Agarwal expanded Vedanta into a diversified entity. Vedanta Resources was incorporated in London in 2003, making it the first Indian firm listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Key Business Strategies

Agarwal focused on acquiring state-owned mining and metal assets, which fueled Vedanta's growth. His strategy included controlling input costs by manufacturing metals and expanding operations across multiple countries. The company has also invested heavily in India, with plans for further expansion and modernization.

Philanthropy

Anil Agarwal established the Vedanta Foundation in 1992 to carry out the group's philanthropic initiatives. The Foundation has invested significantly in social impact projects focused on healthcare, education, child welfare, and women empowerment. He pledged to donate 75% of his wealth to charity, inspired by figures like Bill Gates.

Career Milestones

1976

Acquired Shamsher Sterling Corporation

Acquired a copper manufacturer with a bank loan, marking an early step in building his business empire.

1986

Founded Sterlite Industries

Established a factory to manufacture jelly-filled cables, which later expanded into the metals and mining sector.

1993

Set up Copper Smelter and Refinery

Sterlite Industries became the first private sector company in India to set up a copper smelter and refinery.

2003

Incorporated Vedanta Resources Plc

The first Indian firm to be listed on the London Stock Exchange.

2018

Took Vedanta private

Agarwal took Vedanta private after paying over $1 billion for the one-third of the metals firm that he didn't already own.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education, Healthcare, Community Development

Vedanta Foundation

$36M

Invested in building hospitals, schools, infrastructure, and community programs.

Education, Health, Women Empowerment

Nand Ghar

Not Specified

Transforming the lives of millions through interventions in education, health, nutrition and women empowerment.

Poverty, Child Welfare, Women Empowerment

Giving Pledge

75% of wealth

Pledged to donate over 75% of his family's wealth to charity.

Healthcare, Nutrition, Women and Child Development, Animal Welfare, Grassroots Sports

Anil Agarwal Foundation

$625M

Investing INR 5000 crore (approx. $625 million) over 5 years in social impact projects.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“I am a patriot of Vedanta. Patriots never give up in tough times.”"

"“In order to succeed, you must first learn to fail.”"

"“We shared a dream to ensure that no child sleeps hungry, no child is denied education, every woman stands on her own feet, and every young Indian has meaningful work.”"

Leadership Principles

Resilience

Overcoming challenges and controversies with determination.

Vision

Transforming a scrap metal business into a global conglomerate.

Philanthropy

Committed to giving back to society and supporting various social causes.

Controversies & Challenges

2004

Arsenic Waste Dumping

Vedanta was charged with dumping arsenic-bearing slag near its factory in Tamil Nadu.

2005

Forced Displacement in Odisha

Accusations of forcibly displacing indigenous communities in Odisha to mine bauxite.

2018

Thoothukudi Protests

Protests against the copper smelter expansion led to clashes with police, resulting in fatalities.

2024

Zambia Hazardous Waste

Lawsuits over hazardous waste contamination in the Kafue River.

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