Aussie cos keen on tapping mining sector

KOLKATA: Leading Australian mining sector companies Thiess, Micromine, Scantech, Ludowoci are scouting for joint ventures and business opportunities in the Indian mining industry, especially in the coal, steel, cement and power sectors.

The companies are here as part of a 70-member Aussie mining delegation to participate in the 8th International Mining Machinery Exhibition (IMME)-’06 in Kolkata. Out of this, around 40 are taking part, while the rest are observers.

Incidentally, it is the largest mining event that the Australian government will be participating in this year.

“Australia is a leading global player in mining, technology and services (MTS). We exported $1.8bn of mining equipment last year. Our participation reflects the huge potential we see in the Indian mining industry. We are well-positioned to make the Indian mining industry more efficient,” Craig Senger, trade commissioner, Australian Trade Commission said.

“Trade in energy and resources forms an important part of bilateral trade the two countries. Australian coking coal fuels the Indian steel industry and our companies are involved in minerals exploration in India,” he added. Australian companies are bidding for contract mining in coal and are also looking for local partners to manufacture mining equipment under licence in India.