India today asked Kazakhstan to re-consider state-owned iron miner NMDC's proposal to explore greenfield mining projects there, particularly those of iron ore, coal and potash.
The issue was raised during a meeting of Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and a delegation led by Kazakhstan Minister of Investment and Development Asset Issekeshev here, an official statement said.
The meeting, which explored areas of collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the mining sector, comes a month ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kazakhstan.
"He (Tomar) urged the delegation to take a re-look at the proposal made by NMDC to undertake exploration in greenfield projects, especially in iron ore, coal and potash," it said.
The Minister said Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) are ready to offer necessary training and mentoring support in this regard.
He favoured the idea of forming a working group that would study the partnership in detail and pave the way for an MoU between the two countries.
Issekeshev also spoke of Kazakh public and private companies interested to join hands with their Indian counterparts.
Mines Secretary Anup K Pujari, NMDC CMD N Kothari and other senior officials attended the meeting.
