Kolkata to host international mining conference next month

Kolkata will host the sixth International Mining Exploration, Metals and Machinery Exhibition at the city's Eco Park from February 24 to 27.

The Mining, Geological and Metallurgical Institute of India in collaboration with trade fair organisers, Tafcon, will organise the event supported by the ministries of coal, mines, steel, power and heavy industries, Tafcon said in a release here.

"India's mining industry set to reach $36 billion is all set to open up commercial coal mining to private companies with the aim of shifting world's third largest coal importer towards energy self-sufficiency," the statement said.

It will have over 300 exhibitors and more than 600 delegates from over 30 countries. Over 10,000 visitors from across the world are expected to attend the event.

The exhibition will showcase a wide range of globally significant mineral resources, including four fuel minerals, 11 metallic minerals, 22 minor minerals and 52 non-metallic minerals, the organisers said.

"One of the bright spots in the mining industry scenario is the fact that an increasing number of Indian companies are venturing overseas to secure stable, long-term supplies of minerals like coal and iron ore," I. P. Wadhwa, managing worker of Tafcon, said.

"The large-scale conference will be the ideal platform for displaying and launching new initiatives in the mining sector," he added.