Australia recently participated as “The Focus Country” in the 9th International Mining and Machinery Exhibition 2008 (IMME) which was held in Kolkata from November 5 to 8, 2008.
Organised by The Australian Trade Commission – The Australian Government’s international trade and investment agency, IMME 2008 was the biggest mining event the Australian Government participated globally this financial year and the Australian delegation of 50 companies was the largest to have ever exhibited at a mining trade show in India.
The Australian participation at IMME 2008 showcased Australia’s global leadership position in Mining Technology and Services. Australia is at the forefront in developing innovative technologies for mining. As an example, over 60% of the worlds mines operate with Australian designed mining software and mine management systems
Australian expertise in Mining Technology & Services
Australian expertise in mining technology and services spans technology, services, solutions from exploration; mine development; mining software & IT; mining consultancy; equipment & supplies; engineering & construction; contract mining; processing & control; environmental management; clean coal technology and mining education & training
Australia – An Attractive Mining Investment Destination
Australia has the world s largest economic demonstrated resources of lead, nickel, tantalum, uranium and zinc. Australia is also the largest producer of bauxite, alumina and tantalum, the second largest producer of lead, nickel and uranium, and the world’s largest exporter of coal.
India’s mining and resource processing companies have already identified the benefits of Australia, both through the establishment of long-term supply contracts and direct investment in Australia’s expertise, high quality deposits and competitive transportation costs. Together, India and Australia have put in place mechanisms to further reinforce commercial and technical linkages.
Australia at IMME 2008
The Australian participation at the IMME 2008 exhibition featured a cross section of Australian mining technology services firms whose business profile includes contract mining services; mining equipment components & spare parts; mining project software; mine management systems; mineral processing systems & components; underground mining services, coal washery & related consultancy.
50 Australian organisations exhibited at the IMME 2008 exhibition.
Participation of Australian Minister of Resources
The Australian Minister for Resources, Energy & Tourism, Martin Ferguson participated as the Guest of Honour at IMME 2008. The Minister also participated at the Seminar on Australia – India mineral exploration and resources investments on 4 November 2008 in Kolkata.
Australia – India Mineral Exploration, Resources Investments and Mining Partnerships & Technology Seminars
As part of Australian participation at IMME 2008, seminars were organised on 4 November 2008 on
- Australia – India mineral exploration and resources investments
- Australia – India mining partnership, investments & technology
The Australia – India mineral exploration and resources investments seminar focused on investments in Australia’s minerals sector, providing an overview of Australia’s mineral resources, the opportunities and a practical guide for investing and operating in Australia.
The Australia – India mining partnership, investments & technology seminar focused on the current partnerships between Australia and India in the minerals industry. Specific emphasis was on Gujarat NRE Coke’s investment in Australia and on the Australian participation in the revival of Hindustan Copper’s Surda Copper mine in Jharkhand. The seminar also focused on the resource capabilities and opportunities in New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia.
Speaking about Australian participation at IMME 2008, Peter Linford, Minister – Commercial, Australian High Commission based in New Delhi said, “Australian mining companies are leaders in economic exploration, mining, mineral processing and transformation of raw minerals. The world’s most extensive mineral research and development programs and facilities are in Australia. Innovative methods of mining and mineral beneficiation often originate in Australia. As mining is conducted in increasingly remote regions, demand for Australian expertise in mining technology and services continues to grow”.
“The Australian participation at IMME 2008 offered an excellent opportunity for the Indian mining & minerals sector to access Australian mining technology & expertise and source Australian mining technology and expertise and explore technology sourcing and partnership agreements with Australian mining technology & services suppliers”, said Peter Linford
Australian Mining Mission to India
As part of Australian participation at IMME 2008, a mining mission visited 2 mines in West Bengal to view the practices & technologies used by Indian mines. The Mission visited the coal mine and washery of Integrated Coal Mining Limited at Sarisatoli, which is a captive mine of CESC Limited of the RPG Group, and also the coal mine of Eastern Coalfields Limited at Sonpur Bazari, a part of the Government owned Coal India Limited.
Utsav Australia
The Australian participation in IMME 2008 is a part of the ‘Utsav Australia” programme of the Australian Government. Managed by the Australian Trade Commission, Utsav Australia (Celebrate Australia) is an Australian Government s initiative to accelerate Australia’s commercial engagement with India. The Utsav Australia programme features events, promotional activities, awareness seminars & outreach programmes across India, including tier 2 cities; extensive media outreach programme; participation in Indian exhibitions & events; website for Indian businesses, etc
Doing Business with Australia
For more information on accessing Australia’s mining, technology & services expertise or in exploring partnership opportunities with Australian companies in the mining sector, please contact Partha Sen, Business Development Manager, Australian Trade Commission at partha.sen@austrade.gov.au