Board Of Directors

Dr. T.R.K. Rao, IRTS (1986 batch), is the Managing Director of Maharashtra State Mining Corporation (MSMC). A seasoned administrator with over 35 years in mining and infrastructure, he holds a Ph.D. from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, and a Master’s in Economic Policy Management from Columbia University. Before joining MSMC, Dr. Rao led key public‐sector enterprises—serving as Executive Director at Singareni Collieries, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation and Director (Commercial) at NMDC and also Director (Coal, Commercial & Finance) at Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Ltd. —also served as consultant at the World Bank. Under his leadership, MSMC is driving innovation, sustainability and digital transformation in Maharashtra’s mineral sector.

Shri Laxmikanth Dhoke serves on the Board of MSMC as the Government of Maharashtra’s nominee, holding the post of Joint Secretary (Mining) in the Directorate of Geology & Mining, Nagpur. With over two decades of experience in state-level mining regulation, he brings deep expertise in regulatory compliance, environmental safeguards and stakeholder engagement. In his role on MSMC’s board, Shri Dhoke helps steer policy alignment, licensing frameworks and strategic initiatives aimed at sustainable mineral development across Maharashtra.

Shri G.O. Bharti is the Government of Maharashtra’s nominee on the Board of Directors of MSMC, holding the post of Joint Director in the Directorate of Industries at the District Industries Centre, Nagpur. With deep expertise in industrial promotion, regulatory compliance and stakeholder facilitation, he oversees policy alignment, licensing frameworks and strategic initiatives that drive sustainable mineral and industrial development across Maharashtra.

Dr. Anil M. Pophare, Ph.D., is Professor and Head of the Department of Geology at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University and has served on MSMC’s Board of Directors since February 14, 2006. A specialist in petrology, hydrogeology and geochemistry, he brings over two decades of academic and industry experience—having worked with Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. and Oil & Natural Gas Corporation—and contributes as a member of the Exploration and Research Advisory Committee for AMD as well as Editor of the Journal of Geosciences Research. His expertise guides MSMC’s research-driven strategies in mineral exploration and sustainable development across Maharashtra.