Kolkata set to host mining exhibition

Kolkata is all set to witness the country's largest mining, mineral and machinery exhibition.

The 7th International Mining and Machinery Exhibition (IMME 2004) was jointly organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the ministry of coal and mines, government of India and Coal India Ltd (CIL). IMME 2004 would host 200 exhibitors including foreign participants from 15 countries like United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South Africa, to name a few.

South Africa is the partner country and Chattisgarh the partner state.

With the expected growth in demand in steel to around 50-60 million tonne, iron ore production would have to raised to around 120 million tonne, Madan Mohanka, chairman of the IMME steering committee pointed out to highlight the activity in the mining sector.

"The main aim is to expose the domestic players in the mining industry to the latest global technology ", he said.

Major companies like Coal India, Tata Steel and Nalco would be making a forecast of prospective future demand during the user-seller meet in the exhibition, he added.

"The user and sellers interaction during the event is of importance as the major players would announce requirements", he said.

The expected business to be generated from this exhibition would be around Rs 500-1000 crore. At last year's exhibition, the business done was about Rs 250 crore, informed Mohanka.

"We expect this exhibition would pave the way for several collaborative works between domestic and international players, along with exchange of technology", said Mohanka.

The four day event will also have the " India mining summit' as a parallel event. Representative of nearly all major Indian and foreign mining companies were expected to participate.

Specialists from machinery equipment sector from India, Sweden, South Africa, Germany, United States of America will address the summit.