6th Asian Mining Congress and Exhibition - 2016

AMC 2016

Asia, the world's biggest continent, is also the world's largest raw material producer, to the tune of 10 billion tonnes per year, accounting for 56% of world total mineral production. With its huge area and geological diversity, it is likely and virtually every kind of deposit is present somewhere. The outlook for development of the mineral industry is promising and it will play a major role in the global economy to achieve its full potential.

The Asian Mining Congress and International Mining Exhibition, a biennial event organized by the Mining, Geological & Metallurgical Institute of India (MGMI) provides a forum for the miners, machinery manufacturers, planners and policy makers to discuss the various issues affecting the mining industry in the Asian region in particular, and also in the rest of the world. The event provides an unrivalled opportunity for the manufacturers of mining machinery in the world to showcase their products and do business. 

The Congress will provide forum for promotion and support of techno-scientific cooperation towards national and international progress in the areas of mineral production, in addition to the development of new opportunities of sustainable business that will benefit both Asian and world societies.

Lead Topics

• Status of Mineral Industry in Asian Countries: Resources and Exploitation.
• New Mineral Development Projects in Asian Countries.
• Oil and Gas: Petroleum, Natural Gas, Coal Bed Methane (CBM), Coal Mine Methane (CMM), Shale Gas, Underground Gasification of Coal (UGC), Coal Liquefaction, etc.
• Advances in Technology: Exploration & Mining in Opencast & Underground Modern Mining Techniques: Opencast and underground Mining.
• Mineral Processing and Coal Beneficiation.
• Environment, Safety and Health issues.
• Investment opportunities in Mining Industry.
• Green Mining for sustainable future.
• Import, Export Trading scenario.
• Logistics & Infrastructure Development.

Highlights of International Mining Exhibition

• Participation of leading Mining Equipment & Machinery Manufacturers from Asia, Africa, America and Europe.
• Group Participation from Mineral Rich Countries and States of India.
• Participation of Industry Giants and SMEs'.
• Structured Visitor Promotion and Publicity to Invite High Purchase Buyers.
• Buyer Seller Meet.
• Participation expected from 30+ Countries, 300+ Stalls, 800+ Delegates, 20,000+                Trade Visitors.

Conference Date: 23^rd – 27^th February, 2016.

Conference Venue: Hotel Hyatt Regency, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Exhibition Venue: Eco Park (Gate No.1), New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, WB, India.

Contact: The Mining, Geological & Metallurgical Institute of India, GN - 38/4, Salt lake, Sector – V, Kolkata – 700 091, India.

Website: AsianMining Congress  ; MGMI             

Email: mgmikolkata@gmail.com; info@asianminingcongress.com Tel: 91 33 2357 3482/3987/6518

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India to auction eight coal blocks in January 2016

The Indian government today kick-started the process for the fourth round of e-auctioning of eight coal blocks, which is slated for January 18-22 next year.

The last three rounds of auction have generated proceeds of more than Rs 3 lakh crore, which would be realised over 30 years by states where the mines are located.

"It has been decided to auction eight Schedule III coal mines earmarked for non-regulated sectors like, iron and steel, cement and captive power plants in the fourth tranche.

The e-auction for these mines will be held from January 18 to January 22, 2016," Coal Secretary Anil Swarup said addressing the media here.

Directions have been issued to Joint Secretary, Coal, Vivek Bhardwaj, who is the nominated authority to conduct the auction, and the notice inviting tenders will be issued tomorrow, Swarup said.

"Commencement of sale of tender document will start from December 31 while the vesting order by the nominated authority to successful bidders will be issued by March 10," the Secretary said.

The coal blocks to be put under the hammer include Brahmapuri and Suliyari in Madhya Pradesh, Bundu and Gondulpura in Jharkhand, Gondkhari and Khappa & Extn in Maharashtra and Jaganathpur A and Jaganathpur B in West Bengal.

Together these mines are expected to have total reserves of 1,143Mt, with peak production estimated at 12.9Mt.

Asked how much the government plans to raise from this fresh round of auction, the Secretary said the same depends on the response from bidders.

Swarup said 34 blocks had been allocated or auctioned under Schedule II (either producing or likely to produce mines), of which one is under litigation and seven of them have recorded over 5-MT output.

The rest, he said, are likely to start production "in next two to three months" as all issues including necessary clearances, stamp duty, handing over of assets etc have "fortunately been resolved on the intervention of Prime Minister who himself reviewed the projects".

Mining leases have been granted in 29 cases and remaining four will also get it soon, he said.

The Supreme Court in September last year had cancelled allocation of 204 coal mines to companies without auction.

The Secretary said Coal India is "well on way of achieving 550 million tonne coal production target" for the current fiscal and has crossed the 300-MT output mark this week.

Source: PTI

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India finalizes uranium deal with Australia

Despite not signing the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, India will be allowed to import uranium from Australia for civilian purposes.

On Sunday the two countries finalized a deal that has been in the works for three years, with Indian Prime Minister Modi and Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull making statements on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Turkey and on social media.

“PM @narendramodi thanked PM @TurnbullMalcolm and described the nuclear agreement as a milestone & source of trust & confidence,” tweeted Vikas Swarup, from the Indian foreign ministry. “With the completion of procedures, including administrative arrangements, the #IndiaAustralia Civil Nuclear Agreement will enter into force.”

The seeds of the agreement were sown by then-Australian PM Julia Gillard, who promised during a state visit in 2012 to supply uranium to India, which faces severe shortages of electricity and has limited nuclear capacity. Two years later Gillard's successor, Tony Abbott, signed a memorandum of understanding for “Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy” whereby Australia would become a long-term supplier of uranium to India.

The agreement means India is the first country to buy yellowcake from Australia, that has not signed the international treaty to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

While India faced Western sanctions in 1998 after testing nuclear weapons, the sanctions were lifted after a deal with the United States in 2008 that included safeguards against using the nuclear fuel for weapons production.

According to the World Nuclear Association, India currently has 21 operating reactors with a capacity of 4,780 megawatts, or 2 percent of India's total power supply. The country plans to increase its nuclear capacity to 63,000 MW by 2032, by adding close to 30 reactors at a cost of $85 billion, Hindustan Times reported.

India is actively seeking agreements with foreign powers in order to reach that goal, on top of the nuclear agreements it currently has with 11 countries and deals to import uranium from Russia, France, Kazakhstan and Canada.

Concerned about running out of nuclear fuel, in July India created a strategic uranium reserve to ensure that its atomic reactors can keep producing electricity without interruption.

The finalized supply deal with Australia could be quite lucrative for Australian uranium producers and uranium mines, which include BHP Billiton's (NYSE:BHP) Olympic Dam, Ranger, Beverley, Four Mile and Honeymoon.

An Australian parliamentary committee that supported the deal said in September the arrangement could increase export revenues by $1.75 billion.

Mark Chalmers, chair of the Australian Uranium Council, told ABC News that Australia could double or triple its uranium production to meet India's needs, although for that to happen, the price of uranium would have to almost double, he added.

Australia currently has about 40 percent of the world's uranium reserves, and is the number three producer of the nuclear fuel, behind Kazakhstan and Canada.

Source: Andrew Topf Mining.com

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Principal Or Senior Mining Engineer, Kolkata - SRK Consulting

SRK Consulting India, seeking a mining engineer for their new Kolkata office. The successful candidate will have:

• A degree in mining engineering
• A minimum of 5 years of practical operational and mine planning experience
• Demonstrated leadership and managerial experience
• Knowledge of computerised mine planning tools, e.g. Surpac, Datamine, Minex, Whittle 3D/4D
• Preferably, some prior consulting experience

The successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Consult on projects for Indian and international clients. Assignments will include engineering studies (scoping, pre-feasibility and feasibility), operational advice and due diligence/independent reporting projects
• Establish and maintain client relationships, and work in a team environment. This position requires strong networking and communication skills, and sound interpersonal capabilities are therefore essential

Only Candidates With Proficiency In Computerized Mine Design Including Design Capabilities In AutoCad Need Apply.

In addition to a competitive salary, we provide a performance bonus, social security, and shareholding opportunities in the company.

Applicants Should Respond By Sending Their Resume To Subrato Ghosh By Email To Sghosh@Srk.Com

Those candidates under consideration will be contacted

For more details please visit SRK Consulting

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National Mineral Policy 2008

The National Mineral Policy 2008 provides for a change in the role of the Central Government and the State Governments to incentivize private sector investment in exploration and mining and for ensuring level playing field and transparency in the grant of concessions and promotion of scientific mining within a sustainable development framework so as to protect the interest of local population in mining areas. This has necessitated harmonization of legislation with the new National Mineral Policy.

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Mines Rules 1955

The Mines Rules deal with matters related to the employment of persons, their health and the welfare amenities to be provided to them. The Mines Rules were amended in November-1978, and in the amended rules, a new chapter on medical examination of persons employed in Mines (Chapter IVA) was added after the Chapter IV on certifying Surgeons, providing for the initial and periodical medical examinations of all persons employed in a mine, after such date or dates as the Central Government may notify in the Official Gazette, The Mines (Amendment) Rules-1986, came into force with effect from 26 th April-1986. The main provisions have been the constitution and functioning of the workmen’s inspectors and the Pit Safety Committees and provisions of form J and K for the registers of reportable and minors accidents respectively. The quantum of disability allowance has also been fixed at 50% of the employee’s monthly wages.

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Mines Act 1952

The Mines Act, 1952 came into force on 1st July, 1952. The provisions of the said Act came into force on different dates but not later than 31st December, 1953 as has been mentioned in the Act. The applicability of the Act is extended to the whole of India. Mines Act, 1952 was legislated with the purpose of regulating the health and safety of laborers working in the mines. Mines Act, 1952 consists of 88 sections divided into 10 chapters. The said act came into existence solely for the safety and health and welfare of workers working in the mines.
The mines act, 1952 was amended in 1983 which provided a new law for the mine workers, and the parliament has drafted a new amendment bill in 2011 which is still pending.

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Make in India - Mining

SUMMARY

• 50 year mining leases.
• 302 Billion Tonnes of coal reserves.
• The number of operational mines were 3025 during 2014-2015.
• India is the 6th largest iron ore reserve in the world. India is 8th largest bauxite ore reserve in the world.
• India is 4th largest iron ore producer in the world and 5th largest bauxite ore producer in the world.

REASONS TO INVEST

• India has vast minerals potential with mining leases granted for longer durations of 50 years.
• The demand for various metals and minerals will grow substantially over the next 15 years.
• The power and cement industries also aid growth in the metals and mining sector.
• India’s strategic location enables convenient exports.
• India’s per capita steel consumption is four times lower than the global average.
• India has the world’s 8th largest reserve base of bauxite and 6th largest base of iron ore, accounting for about 5% and 8% respectively of total world production.
• India is 4th largest iron ore producer in the world and 5th largest bauxite ore producer in the world.

STATISTICS

• India produces 88 minerals – 4 fuel-related minerals, 10 metallic minerals, 50 non-metallic minerals and 24 minor minerals.
• In 2014-15, India had 3025 operative mines – excluding mining areas for minor minerals, crude petroleum, natural gas and atomic minerals.
• India is slated to become the second largest producer of steel by 2015.
• Crude steel production increased at a CAGR of 8.2% between 2008–2011 to result in 76.7 Million Metric Tonnes.

GROWTH DRIVERS

• With the Indian economy expected to grow by approximately 7% in the years to come, sectors such as infrastructure and automobiles will receive a renewed thrust, which would further generate demand for power and steel in the country. This is expected to provide a major thrust to the demand of minerals like coal and iron ore.
• Minerals like manganese, lead, copper, alumina are expected to witness double digit growth in the years ahead. There is significant scope for new mining capacities in iron ore, bauxite, and coal.
• India has an advantage in the cost of production and in conversion costs of steel and alumina.
• Sustained growth in India’s automotive sector has been driving demand for steel and aluminium.
• The power sector accounts for a large share of the consumption of aluminium and coal in the country.
• Infrastructure projects continue to provide lucrative business opportunities for steel, zinc and aluminium producers.
• Demand for iron and steel is set to continue, given the strong growth expectations for the residential and commercial building industry.
• India has the 301.56 Billion Tonnes coal reserves as of April 2014. Production of coal stood at 540 Million Tonnes and 557.7 Million Tonnes in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
• India ranks fourth globally in terms of iron ore production. In 2013, the country produced 136.02 Million Tonnes of iron ore.

FDI POLICY

• FDI up to 100% is allowed in exploration, mining, minerals processing and metallurgy under the automatic route for all non-fuel and non-atomic minerals including diamonds and precious stones.
• Mining and mineral separation of titanium-bearing minerals and ores, its value addition and integrated activities fall under the government route of foreign direct investment up to 100%.
• FDI in coal mining is allowed for captive consumption only.

SECTOR POLICY

• As per Mines & Minerals Development and Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2015 all mining leases for major minerals shall be granted for the period of 50 years. Mining leases in respect of notified minerals such as bauxite, iron ore, limestone and manganese ore shall be granted through auction.

THE NATIONAL MINERAL POLICY, 2OO8 :

• The NMP enunciates measures like assuring rights to next stage mineral concession, transferability of mineral concessions and transparency in the allotment of concessions in order to reduce delays which are seen as impediments to investment and technology flows in the mining sector in India. The policy also seeks to develop a sustainable framework for optimum utilisation of the country’s natural mineral resources for the industrial growth in the country and at the same time improving the life of people living in the mining areas, which are generally located in the backward and tribal regions of the country.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

NEW AMENDMENTS TO MMDR ACT, 2015 :

• Mineral concessions will be granted only through auction.
• Auction for mining leases for bulk minerals; auction of prospecting licences-cum-mining leases for deep-seated minerals.
• Uniform lease period of 50 years; no renewals; auction at the end of lease period.
• Transition period of minimum 15 years for captive mines and 5 years for other mines; Central Government empowered to prescribe deadlines for various processes and to issue binding directions to States.
• The previous approval of the Central Government will not be required for grant of mineral concession except for Atomic Minerals, Coal and Lignite.
• Enabling powers for reservation for the public sector to continue.
• Higher penalties and jail terms for offences; special courts may be constituted, if necessary.
• District Mineral Foundation to take care of people and areas affected by mining.
• Nationals Mineral Exploration Trust to be set up for impetus to exploration.
• Easy transferability of concessions obtained through auctions so as to attract private investment and FDI.
• Powers to Central Government to intervene even where State Government do not pass orders within prescribed time lines; this will eliminate delay.
• KEY PROVISIONS OF THE 2O15-2O16 UNION BUDGET:
• Changes, if necessary, in the MMDR Act, 1957 to be introduced to encourage investment in the mining sector and promote sustainable mining practices.
• The Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on ships imported for breaking up is being reduced from 5% to 2.5%.
• Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on coal-tar pitch is being reduced from 10% to 5%.
• Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on battery waste and battery scrap is being reduced from 10% to 5%.
• Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on steel grade limestone and steel grade dolomite is being reduced from 5% to 2.5%.
• Full exemption from basic customs duty is being granted to pre-forms of precious and semi-precious stones.
• The variation level and the parameter of measurement with respect to re-import of cut and polished diamonds after certification/grading from a foreign laboratory/agency are being increased as a trade facilitation measure.
• Under the existing provisions of Section 35 AD of the Act, an investment – linked tax incentive is available by way of allowing deduction of the whole of any expenditure of capital nature (other than expenditure on land, goodwill and financial investment) incurred wholly and exclusively for purpose of the “specified business” during the previous year in which such expenditure was incurred.
• In order to promote investment in new sectors, few more businesses have been added under the above section. Those related to the mining sector are:                                                                  1.  Laying and operating a slurry pipeline for the transportation of iron ore.                                  2. The above business shall begin operations on or after 01.04.2014. It also has the condition of lock-in period of 8 years for use of assets.

FISCAL INCENTIVES:

• One-tenth of the expenditure on prospecting, extraction and production of certain minerals during five years ending with the first year of commercial production is allowed as a deduction from the total income.
• Export profits from specified minerals and ores are eligible for certain concessions.
• Minerals in their finished form are exempt from excise duty.
• There is low customs duty on capital equipment used for minerals on nickel, tin, pig iron and unwrought aluminium.
• Capital goods imported for mining under the EPCG scheme qualify for concessional customs duty subject to certain export obligations.

STATE INCENTIVES

• Each state in India offers additional incentives for industrial projects, related to specific sector. Incentives have been provided in areas such as subsidised land cost, the relaxation of stamp duty on the sale or lease of land, power tariff incentives, a concessional rate of interest on loans, investment subsidies and tax incentives, backward areas subsidies and special incentive packages for mega projects.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

IRON & STEEL:

• The iron and steel segment offers a product mix which includes hot rolled parallel flange beams and columns rails, plates, coils, wire rods, and continuously cast products such as billets, blooms, beams, blanks, rounds and slabs as well as metallics and ferro alloy.

COAL:

• The coal market consists of primary coal such as anthracite, bitumen and lignite.

ALUMINIUM:

• The aluminium segment includes alumina chemicals, primary aluminium, aluminium extrusions and aluminium rolled products.

BASE METALS:

• The base metals market consists of lead, zinc, copper, nickel and tin.

PRECIOUS METALS & MINERALS:

• The precious metals market includes gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium and diamonds.

FOREIGN INVESTORS

BHP Billiton (Australia), Rio Tinto (Australia), Vedanta Resources (UK), Indian Resources Limited (Australia), JFE Steel Corporation (Japan),Australian Indian Resources (Australia),China Steel Corporation (Taiwan), NSL Consolidated (Australia), Kolar Gold (Guernsey)

AGENCIES

The Ministry of Mines, Government of India

Federation of Indian Mineral Industries

The Geological Survey of India

The Indian Bureau of Mines

The Aluminium Association of India

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