Shaping the Future of Sustainable Mining
The 17th edition of the International Mining and Machinery Exhibition (IMME) 2024, held from October 23 to 26 at the Science City Exhibition Ground in Kolkata, was a resounding success. Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the event brought together stakeholders from across the global mining industry, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, machinery, and equipment. With Australia as the partner country and the Government of Odisha as the partner state, IMME 2024 highlighted the growing significance of the mining sector in India’s industrial landscape.
IMME, since its inception in 1984, has been India’s premier trade fair for the mining industry. Over the years, it has grown into the largest and most influential mining exhibition in the country. The 2024 edition lived up to this reputation, attracting more than 400 exhibitors and over 10,000 business visitors from across the world. These included global giants from mining powerhouses such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Poland, the UK, Russia, and Indonesia.
The exhibition presented a vast array of mining machinery, equipment, and technology solutions, addressing the diverse needs of the mining sector. Key highlights included innovations in automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and smart green mining technologies. The event served as a critical platform for networking, business collaborations, and technology transfers. As India continues to strengthen its position as the world’s third-largest coal producer, with substantial contributions in areas like mica, chromite, iron ore, and steel, IMME 2024 became an essential meeting point for both domestic and international players.
Focus on Sustainability and Collaboration
Coinciding with IMME 2024, the Global Mining Summit (GMS) was held from October 23-24. The summit focused on fostering international collaboration, advancing technological innovation, and ensuring sustainable practices in the mining industry. The event featured eminent speakers, including industry leaders, government representatives, and policy makers, who discussed a broad range of issues critical to the sector.
One of the key themes at GMS was the future of sustainable mining, with a focus on balancing productivity with environmental stewardship. Ujjwal Tah, Director General, Directorate General of Mines Safety, addressed the pressing issue of mineral depletion and called for the conservation of resources. He highlighted the need for increased research and development in deep-sea mining and stressed the importance of larger mining companies supporting smaller players in adopting sustainable practices.
Another significant topic at the summit was the growing collaboration between India and Australia, particularly in the mining of critical minerals. Denise Eaton, Trade and Investment Commissioner for Green Economy at Austrade, emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to the green economy. She urged the mining industry to strike a balance between productivity, safety, and environmental sustainability, echoing the growing global sentiment toward responsible mining.
Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director, BEML, underscored the need for the mining sector to adopt smart green mining technologies. He discussed how automation could help optimise mining operations while minimising environmental impact. Roy also lauded the success of initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), and called for further investment in research and development (R&D) for electric mining vehicles, a key step toward greener operations.
Focus on West Bengal’s mining potential
West Bengal, home to the event, also played a pivotal role in the discussions. Moloy Ghatak, Minister of Law and Justice for the Government of West Bengal, highlighted the state’s robust mining potential. He announced the approval of the mining plan for the Gourangdih ABC Coal Mine in East Burdwan district, which is set to tap into an extractable coal deposit of approximately 62 million tonnes. He also spoke about the ambitious Deocha-Pachami-Dewanganj-Harinsingha coal mine project in Birbhum district, which, upon completion, would become the world’s second-largest coal mine.
Ghatak assured the gathering that the state government was committed to ensuring that mining operations are environmentally sustainable, scientifically sound, and socially responsible. This commitment aligns with the growing focus on sustainability in the sector, reinforcing the need for responsible resource management.
Creating an investor-friendly ecosystem
The issue of creating an investor-friendly ecosystem in the mining sector was another key discussion point. Arun Misra, Chairman of CII National Committee on Mining and CEO, Hindustan Zinc, spoke about the role of the mining sector in contributing to India’s economic aspirations while nurturing environmental sustainability. He emphasised the importance of creating a regulatory environment that encourages private investments and facilitates the development of critical infrastructure. Misra’s comments reflected the growing recognition of the mining industry as a vital component of India’s industrial future, with the potential to drive significant economic growth.
The event was organised in association with the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Steel, with the support of the Government of West Bengal’s Mineral Development Corporation. The Government of Odisha showcased its commitment to enhancing the mining sector’s growth through favourable policies and infrastructure development.
The central government’s support was evident in the presence of various stakeholders from regulatory bodies, including the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), and the Mining Ministry’s officials, who discussed key policy reforms. The discussions centred on India’s push to enhance mineral exploration, streamline the regulatory process, and introduce measures that would accelerate the growth of the mining sector.
India’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in the production of critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, was also evident during the event. The mining industry’s role in achieving India’s goal of becoming a self-reliant manufacturing hub, particularly in the context of the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market, was a recurring theme throughout the event.
IMME 2024 was a landmark event in the history of India’s mining sector, underscoring the country’s growing importance as a global mining hub. The event highlighted the industry’s shift toward smarter, greener, and more sustainable mining practices, while also emphasising the need for increased collaboration and technology transfer. As India’s mining sector continues to evolve, events like IMME 2024 will play a critical role in shaping its future, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in the global mining industry.
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