India-Australia Coal and Mining Forum to boost bilateral business

for Ministry of Coal | Date - 01-02-2006


Government is working on an Emergency Coal Production Plan to produce an additional 71 metric tons of coal per year from 16 of existing mines to meet energy demand in the country. The Minister of State for Coal, Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao said this while delivering keynote address at the two-day meeting of the India-Australia Coal and Mining Forum in New Delhi today. He stated that Coal India is looking at acquiring coal properties in other countries with a view to enhance energy security of our country. “Government is keen to promote private and foreign investments in the mining sector in a big way and it is for the business people of India and Australia to capitalize on emerging opportunities following government’s recent decision to allow 100% FDI on automatic route in the mining sector”. Mr. Rao added.

Speaking at the Forum, the Australian High Commissioner to India, Mr.John McCarthy said “ India’s mining sector contributes only a small percentage of GDP at present. It has great potential, but needs further investment”. He said, “Energy and resources are the drivers of the bilateral relationship”.

The Secretary Mines, Mr. A.K.D Jadhav said that India is looking for latest survey and exploration technologies for speedy discovery and extraction of minerals. Environment management with state of the art practices in the mining industry is another area to be considered by the Forum, he added.

Secretary Coal, Mr. H.C. Gupta and Australia’s Parliamentary Secretary for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Mr. Bob Baldwin, MP also spoke on the occasion.

The India-Australia Coal and Mining Forum is a joint initiative by the Indian and Australian Governments. The Forum aims at enhancing the collaborative relationship between both the countries to stimulate increased information exchange and joint projects, provide an opportunity for industry to showcase expertise and capabilities and bring Indian and Australian industry, research institutions and governments together.

The Forum will focus on topics of shared interest including investment, regulation, sustainable mining, mining technology services and equipment, coal blending and washing facilities, clean coal technologies, coal mine methane, technical cooperation, skill development and education.

PVR/GSL
(Release ID :15280)

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