Australian units eye mining projects

Australian units eye mining projects

Australian mining companies are looking for opportunities to participate in mine development projects in India through joint venture or outsourcing basis.

More than 40 Australian companies have come to Kolkata to participate in International Mining and Machinery Exhibition (IMME).

The head of the Australian delegation, Craig Senger, said that the delegation has already visited mines of Essel Mining, Sail (Bolari), Bengal Emta, Tata Steel and Ramrupai Balaji to assess the ground reality here.

“This time Australian federal government has took the initiative. We are really optimistic this time,” he added.

Australia was the partner country at IMME this year.

“Australia has a world class mining sector and its mining companies are highly innovative and productive. We are the largest exporter of iron ore, coal, lead, zinc and diamonds,” he added.

Senger pointed out that more than 80 per cent of Australia’s production was exported.

“We area reliable supplier of these materials,” he said.

N Chisholm of Leighton group said that the group was exploring the possibility in contract mining, coal handling, coal washery and iron ore mining.

“We have already spoken to few Indian companies. Leighton is open to both joint venture through equity participation or through lease agreement,” he said.

According to him, the company was interested in constructing dedicated iron ore port in India.

It was also interested in iron ore benefication plant.

“We are looking at iron ore mining and port development. Infact we have already initiated discussion with few steel companies in this regard,” he added.

Besides Leighton, other companies participating included Aspermont, Dixon, Leica Geosystems, Micromine and Theiss.

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