IME 2016 concludes successfully in Kolkata

The recently ended 6th International Mining, Exploration, Mineral Processing Technology, Metals & Machinery Exhibition at the Eco Park, Rajarhat, Kolkata, was an apt business and networking platform for the Indian metal and mining sector which is struggling with a number of issues like a volatile commodity market, environmental hazards and tribal uprisings. The four-day event which was held from February 24 – 27 saw a huge congregation of mining companies from all parts of the globe.

Twenty five leading companies from China along with ten mining giants from Czech Republic, Poland, US and Australia participated in the 6th International Mining, Exploration exhibition here. There were exhibitors from Afghanistan, Belarus, Germany, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and South East Asian countries as well.

Representing the Indian mining community were the Public Sector companies like Coal India, RINL, BEML and NTPC. There were, in total, 25 leading PSUs in the exhibition organized by the Mining, Geological and Metallurgical Institute of India (MGMI) in collaboration with TAFCON. Odisha Mining Corporation Limited too had put up their stall in the exhibition.

India is blessed with over 3 billion tons of bauxite reserves and approx. 300 billion tons of coal reserves, thus making India one of the most preferred destinations for setting up integrated aluminium complexes across the globe. However, a number of mining projects are on hold due to environmental and social beliefs and customs. Along with that, coal & bauxite availability should be supported by good infrastructure for optimum utilization. There are a number of issues present at the implementation level and project execution level when it comes to mining, pertaining to forest clearance and land acquisition etc. To execute the Make in India campaign of the central government, it is very important to invest on the mining sector and make its operations smooth so that the allied industries can improve accordingly.