Canada to display mining expertise in India on Dec 2-3

Canada, globally known for its excellence in the mining sector, will showcase its expertise at a workshop in New Delhi, scheduled on December 2-3.

"It is the first time that OEMs are conducting such a two- day workshop in India. The workshop has immense topical relevance given the growth in mining sector in the country," said Hemant M Shah, Project Director of the workshop.

"This is a step forward following our meeting with India's Mining Minister Mr B K Handique in Canada this summer, during which Minister Handique expressed interest in Canada's sharing its knowledge of safe and sustainable mining practices with India," said M Shah, who is also Director Cubex, Canada.

Shah said that the primary focus of this workshop was the design and engineering of underground mining operations which were productive, safe and profitable, and which result in negligible environmental impact while contributing to the wealth and social life of the local community.  Achieving these goals would lead to sustainable mining.

Companies that will participate in the event include some well-known names such as the Hindustan Zinc, Hindustan Copper, Coal India, Vedanta Resources, Tata Steel and Adi Gold Mining.

Canada and India have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on mining during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Canada to attend the G-20 Summit this summer. In the MOU, Canada and India committed to, among other things, share best practices in the mining industry.

Objectives of the capacity building workshop include introducing safe, economic and socially responsible mining principles within a sustainable development framework, addressing health and safety issues including life support and mine ventilation, and environmental controls such as wastewater recovery and treatment, Shah said.