Union Steel & Mines Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar leads a delegation to Mining Indaba-2015 in South Africa

Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, the Union Minister for Mines and Steel is leading Indian delegation of mining fraternity to MINING INDABA 2015 at Cape Town, South Africa. Shri Rajinder Shukla, the Minister for Mineral Resources, Energy and Public Affairs, Government of Madhya Pradesh is also accompanying the delegation. Mining Indaba is an annual global event on mining in South Africa with 10,000 delegates participating from across the globe. Eighteen mining Ministers from countries like South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Angola, Sudan, Nigeria, Gabon, Eritrea, Kenya, Mali and others are participating into the 2015 edition. The marquee highlight is the presence of Mr. Tony Blair, Former Prime Minister of Britain on 10 February 2015. The key objective of the Indian delegation was to highlight the recent amendments in the Indian mining regulations and project investment opportunities for foreign companies in Indian mineral sector. The agenda is to bring latest global technology in Indian mining sector. This would facilitate exploration, leading to unlocking of the huge mineral wealth in the country. India looks at African Continent as an opportunity for acquiring mineral assets. This would ensure continuous supply of minerals from abroad to supplement the domestic production; feeding the industries in their Make in India initiative. On his first day of the visit, Shri Tomar along with other member of delegation met Professor Michael Katz, Chairman of M/s ENSafrica and Mr. Robert Appelbaum, Partner & Head South Asia of M/s Webber Wentzel; the two biggest law consultancy firms in the South Africa. He also met Mr. Tom Albanese, Chief Executive Officer, Vedanta Resources Plc (Black Mountain Group), and senior officials of Chamber of Mines of South Africa; the largest chamber for mining in African region. The Minister highlighted upon the recent amendments made to the mining laws and regulations in India. He informed that these amendments would help in bringing in transparency in allocation of minerals through auction route. He also stated that to eliminate the delays in getting approvals and clearances there has been devolution of further powers to provincial governments. The processes have been made simpler. In order to provide stability, the tenure of the lease has been extended to 50 years from the current lease life of 30 years. He informed that further powers have been vested with the state governments with 31 additional minerals being completely delegated to the provincial governments, thus enhancing the list of such minerals to 54. He also informed the participants that a National Mineral Exploration Trust has been set up to enhance mineral exploration in the country. He also stated that the District Mineral Fund has been created for the benefit of the society affected by the mineral operations. He briefed that such initiatives would help in the long-term sustainable mining ensuring inclusive growth of the society. He urged the companies like Vedanta to carry on their good work and help create the brand India across the globe. The participants welcomed the initiatives of the government to reform the Indian mining sector, they appreciated that recent amendments to the mining regulations will help in furthering the investment and growth of the Indian mining sector. They also appreciated the fact that India is the first nation in the world to grant minerals completely through the auction route. The Minister asked the participants to explore opportunities around a) Exchange Visits and Participation in Mining conference / workshops organized by each other b) Exchange of information and publication on mining laws, regulation, technology and management c) Promote and encourage joint ventures and cooperation between member units d) Cooperation in skill development, upgradation of technology and managerial competence Besides the Ministers; Shri Naresh Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Secretary, Mineral Resources, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Narendra Kothari, Chairman, National Mineral Development Corporation, Shri Nikunj Srivastava Private secretary to the Minister and major industry associations like CII, FICCI and FIMI participated into the deliberations and discussions.

Union Steel & Mines Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar leads a delegation to Mining Indaba-2015 in South Africa

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