IME 2022 Institutionalized Biennial Exhibition Celebrated

The Mining industry in India is one of the core industries of the economy. It provides basic raw materials to many important industries.

The Mining industry is characterized by a large number of small operational mines. India is endowed with huge resources of many metallic and non-metallic minerals. India is home to 1,531 operating mines and produces 95 minerals, which includes 4 fuels, 10 metallic, 23 non-metallic, 3 atomic and 55 minor minerals (including building and other materials).

The number of mines which reported mineral production (excluding atomic, fuel and minor minerals) in India stood at 1405 in 2018-19 as compared to 1430 in 2017-18.

Based on the geological mapping of the country, an area of 571,000 sq. km, out of a total of 3.1 mn sq. km. has been demarcated as Obvious Geological Potential (OGP) area, where the geological potential for the occurrence of mineral deposits is higher.

Sector Policies…

The Government has amended the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act 1957 (MMDR Act). The amendment removed discretion by instituting auction to be the sole method of grant of major mineral concessions and, thereby bringing in greater transparency.

It also provided the much-needed impetus to the mining industry by deemed extension of mining leases. The salient features of the recent amendments are:

• Mineral Concessions Grant through Auctions to bring transparency and remove discretion.
• District Mineral Foundation (DMF) to address the grievances of the people affected by mining and in turn improve the image of the mining industry.
• National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for incentivizing regional and detailed exploration to fill the gaps in exploration in the country.
• Mining Leases for 50 years and even the existing leases deemed extended eliminating any renewals for security of tenure.
• Stronger penal provisions have been put in place to check illegal mining. A penalty of up to (approximately) $7200 per hectare of the area and jail term of up to 5 years is the probable punishment for illegal mining.

National Mineral Exploration Policy 2016 announced in July 2016. Around 100 blocks have been identified by Geological Survey of India for auctioning on revenue sharing mechanism for regional exploration to encourage private participation in exploration. The bidders would be protected by way of entitlement

IME at a glance…

9th in the Series – IME 2022 was a prestigious institutionalized biennial international exhibition of the Mining, Minerals, Metals and Machinery industries wherein the event saw two days of high level 9th Asian Mining Congress with speakers and delegates from over 20 Countries, who visited and interacted with exhibitors.

The event was concurrent to the ‘Buyer Seller Meet’ during exhibition having presentations from major industry players from the industry.

It aimed to upgrade the future of mining and allied industries in India. This institutionalised event has been envisaged as a catalyst for the development of Mining, Mineral, Metal and allied sectors in India. The prestigious biennial international event of the sector is one of the largest shows of its kind in this part of the world. The event once again, proved to an ideal platform for the global mining, mineral & metal producers, decision makers, bureaucrats, investors, industry leaders and other key stakeholders of the industry to congregate, display products, exchange technologies, new initiatives, negotiate for mutual business development and forge meaningful partnerships.

Cutting-edge technologies

Exhibitors showcased their latest innovations at the IME 2022. Some of the key highlights are given below:

Tata Hitachi’s mining solutions: As part of its participation in the International Mining Expo held at Kolkata, Tata Hitachi unveiled the ZW225, its new 5-tonne wheel loader and put up on display its state-of-the-art mining machine, ZAXIS 870.

The latest Tata Hitachi wheel loader has been developed specifically to meet the demands of the evolving Indian construction industry. The ZW225 offers exceptional levels of performance without compromising on efficiency by virtue of low levels of fuel consumption. This new machine underlines Tata Hitachi’s reputation for high-quality engineering and durable products. ZW225 is also extremely versatile and can effortless lend itself to a variety of industry applications.

A powerful, efficient and reliable CEV IV Cummins engine provides high torque at low rpm for unmatched performance. It is equipped with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a common rail-type fuel injection system and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC). This helps to reduce fuel costs and maintenance requirements. The new CEV-IV compliant engine does not require a diesel particulate filter, which further reduces fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Enhanced savings are also guaranteed with extended oil change intervals, fuel filters and transmission oils.

The cabin of this machine too is designed with Tata Hitachi’s special focus on operator comfort and safety. Sound insulation has been improved in the cab to significantly reduce noise levels and provide a quieter working environment for operators. The low-noise engine also results in quieter performance, which makes it suitable for working in urban areas. The 360° panoramic view of the spacious cab creates a comfortable working environment and helps to increase safety and productivity. The rear-view camera also contributes to excellent all-round visibility and safety on job sites. Some of the other features include a multifunctional LCD colour monitor, an optional joystick steering system to enhance productivity with effortless steering, and a convenient utility space at the rear to provide sufficient storage for a variety of tools.

ZAXIS 870 is a hardy 80-tonne machine suited for mining applications. Equipped with HIOS IIIB hydraulic system, it offers increased operating speed with reduced fuel consumption of 4%. This not only results in greater productivity and lower running costs, but also reduces carbon emissions, making it greener. In addition, it comes equipped with an Eco Mode that reduces fuel consumption by a further 10%. Productivity is further improved by the machine’s enhanced swing torque, which has been increased by 9%.

It is powered by an Isuzu BB-6WG1XQA-04 engine, which boasts of a proven track record of impressive durability at countless tough job sites around the world. In addition, the cooling system is designed with a radiator and oil cooler arranged in parallel. This system optimises the rotational speed of two cooling fans, depending on the temperatures of coolant and hydraulic oil, providing unmatched cooling capability and noise reduction.

Tata Hitachi accords special focus to cab design, given that operators are required to work for long hours in tough conditions. The cab has been designed to provide a safe and comfortable operating environment with excellent visibility. Some of the salient cab features include, more leg room offered by a more compact console, ergonomically designed lever for ease of access, increased and strategically placed AC vents, a new, easy-to-use multifunction monitor, and password-lockable engine, among several other features.

Given that the machine will have to work at tough job sites such as mines and quarries, where an endless stream of operations is required, it is equipped with a robust and durable boom and arm for the front attachment. It also has a reliable undercarriage and strengthened upper structure.

BKT’s innovations at IME 2022: “The star highlight at IME 2022 was the GiantEARTHMAX SR 468 TL, the latest addition to the EARTHMAX family. It is a 57” tire (40.00R57) equipped with an All-Steel structure, which provides greater resistance to the casing. A winning feature of the EARTHMAX SR 468 is the special tread design and the compound, created to limit heat generation and resistance to cuts, said Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director, Balkrishna Industries.

“BKT EARTHMAX SR 468 is thus ready to confront the most challenging mining conditions.

On the display was another tire from the EARTHMAX family, the 45/65R45 EARTMAX SR 53 TL, an All-Steel radial tire specially designed for ultra-large loaders, operating in severe rocky conditions. The classified deep L-5 tread consists of a compound that is cut-resistant. In addition, the tire is designed to offer extraordinary abrasion-resistant properties while in loading operation. The protagonist at the BKT stand was MINEFORCE 27.00-49 54PR size, an innovative solution for the mining application for rigid dump trucks with 100-ton capacity. It features a sturdy casing construction coupled with a unique tread pattern and a special tread compound has been developed by BKT’s R&D for cuts and chip-resistant properties, which is most suitable for limestone quarry, coal, and other mining applications, where there is severity in the application. Furthermore, the tire has a large contact patch with rigid lugs that provides even tread wear and a longer life cycle,” Rajiv said.

When asked about how the Indian mining market is evolving in terms of construction and mining equipment, he said, “Worldwide, there has been a paradigm shift to radial tires, however, in the Indian OTR sector, radialisation is still at its nascent stage. With the rise in the mining segment, the adoption of these technologically advanced tires will be vital in achieving the growing demand. Globally, the topmost off-highway segment which is witnessing high demand for radial tires is the mining sector, predominantly on account of expanding fleet of mining vehicles. Considering the severe operational conditions in underground mines, radial tires are the only solution to meet the customer’s requirement.

The India OTR tire market is largely driven by demand for Bias tires and a small percentage of radial tires. However, the global market is witnessing a rising demand for radial tires in construction/mining sector and BKT is championing this trend by extensively supplying to international markets.”

Speaking about the government policies helping the Indian mining industry, Rajiv said, “India is home to the fourth-largest coal reserves in the world. In fact, the mining industry forms a major part of the nation’s economy, both in terms of its own contribution to GDP and it’s supplying the raw materials that underpin India’s considerable manufacturing and infrastructure industries. Coal mining has been the major activity in the country, and the privatization of coal mining has given a further push to the mining activities. Similarly, demand for iron ore and other metal mining like zinc is expected to be a boon in the demand in this sector.”

A sneak peek into Continental: The technology company, Continental presented a variety of high-tech conveyor system, solutions, and services. The exhibits included ContiPipe conveyor belt with smart Conti MultiProtect monitoring system, Monster Hide compound featuring extraordinary anti cut and gouge performance; ContiClean, the innovative non-stick surface technology, among others. The digital and cloud-based solutions that will help operators and maintenance team in saving considerable amount of time and labor costs, round off the portfolio. In addition, Continental’s demonstrators also gave a sneak peek to the interested customers into the future of belt monitoring and predictive maintenance for conveyor belts with smart solutions powered by state-of-the-art technologies such as AI.

Ashish Srivastava, responsible for the Continental legal entity PCBI in India, added, “We have long standing history of producing quality conveying solutions in India. Being a largest steel cord and textile conveyor belt producing company in India, we are committed to the market and ambitious to grow further. With our ‘in the market, for the market’ approach, we are focused to produce industrial solutions tailored to local needs. In addition, our state-of-the-art R&D and NABL accredited Lab facility is further pushing our innovation capabilities in offering global standard robust products and solutions.”

Stakeholders’ views

EQUIPMENT TIMES interacted with industry stakeholders during the event. Excerpts from the interactions:

Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, IAS, Secretary (Coal), Government of India

The government is facilitating Coal India as well as private sector companies. On one side, there are commercial mines which are coming where private sector is getting facilitating and on the other hand, there are efforts taken by the government of India to increase production of Coal India.  And for evacuation, FMC projects are being taken up, railway lines are being installed, new machines have been procured, MDO concept have been introduced so that we can participate private players. Ultimately, we will find ‘Atmanirbharta’ in the production of non-coking coal.

Coal India’s 80 percent coal is sold through linkages at prices determined by Coal India. There is no market discovery. Government has a policy as to who should be given the coal, rate is also decided by them and now there are so many private miners in the market. Most of these miners are into commercial mining. They have to sell their coal in the market. So there is a need for virtual market.

Pramod Agrawal, CMD, Coal India

Over the next two decades, the coal sector continues to be strong and stable with the coal remaining as the man engine of growth in the energy sector. Besides, coal percentage in the energy basket may shrink with renewables and cleaner energy sources gradually occupying more space. Coal cannot be abruptly expunged from the country’s energy system. Commitments made at COP26 are important from the environment point of view and have to be complied with. It takes time for renewable and other sources to reliably fill in coal’s role, but is bound to happen at some point in the future. Till then, coal is here to stay and there is no exceptional threat to the coal sector in the short term, notwithstanding the COP26 commitments. CIL’s plan will be in accordance with the production needs, coal demand, setting up environment friendly seamless transportation infrastructure to handle increased quantities of coal produced, construction rail lines and procurement of advanced equipment. We shall draw our investment plans as we progress forward.

Manoj Nair, Director, Projects business, Cummins India

IME 2022 provides an excellent platform for the industry to showcase its technologies, achievements, new products, solutions and services to a worldwide audience. Cummins has been associated with the Indian Mining Industry for the past several decades and we continue to provide reliable, innovative and sustainable power solutions. We showcased our QSK23 engine and after-treatment systems compliant to the Tier IV emission norms. Our cutting-edge technology of electronic engine management system and after-treatment system operate as a single, integrated and efficient unit, bringing transformation to the mining industry.

Key government policies to ramp up domestic coal production with a focus on ‘Make in India’ initiative will drive significant demand for mining equipment and opens up opportunities for greater participation from the private sector, driving focus on efficiency, productivity and total cost of ownership. Cummins in India will continue delivering on our products and solutions and leverage our presence in India with indigenous offerings and best in class aftermarket support network.

Prashant Kumar Mishra, AGM – Sales & Marketing, Eastman Crusher

First of all, this exhibition is taking place after the gap of two years after the pandemic. It is quite satisfying for all of us to have participated in this exhibition. And the most important thing is that many companies have participated in this exhibition after two years. We all know what happened during pandemic. People were not able to get out meeting any person or having any one to one meet. So this is a very good platform for everyone to gather together, having conversations and connect with our clients, customers, and other stakeholders. I have participated in not less than eight to nine exhibitions and this is the first time I have seen that the portfolio of this IME is very good and we all are very excited looking for the next edition.

As a company, we provide solutions for the sampling system. We are currently working on the three verticals – the first one is sampling system and we are doing the complete engineering designs of component, manufacturing of the equipment erection and commissioning and the second vertical is that we also provide solution for the lab equipment. At the same time, we do manufacture material handling equipment which is being used in CHP and power plant which is typically related to the mining industry and the third vertical we are working is for the analyzer. We have get our three of the model – the Hammer Crusher, Auto Sampler and third one is the Jaw Crusher. We have also exhibited the model of analyzer which is used in the coal industry.

The mining market is doing great as of now. We all are just out of the pandemic and it is to be noted that during the pandemic, whatever projects were cleared from the Government of India, it was it was put on hold. And now just after the pandemic, Government of India placed everything on fast track and every project is being cleared. We have received a good number of orders in the last financial year and we are looking forward positively to this financial year which is going to be very crucial and critical for the industry.

Radha Venkatraman, Head – Customer Services, Australian Turntables

We believe, primary focus is to attract investors within the country to explore opportunities of mining resources in Australia with an added objective to provide mining industries and mining OEMs a robust platform to showcase their portfolio and build their business both domestic and exports.

Mining resources as it gets exhausted, extends to underground mining which inevitably demands high degree of safety, productivity and sustainable mining technology and equipment. Given the mining industrial scenario and projections, the market is expected to grow steep in the coming years which in-turn calls for a huge business opportunity for visionary businesses. Construction industry is set to grow multifold in the coming years with both industrial and commercial establishments on the rise. Metro projects across all states, highway road constructions, bridges and flyovers, house for everyone in India, smart city initiatives, industrial expansion add to the demand in construction industry which in-turn necessitates mining industry to advance its operations and meet the growing demand.

Government is keen and in kind of urgency to increase its mining resources to cater to growing market demand. The government is evaluating scenarios 360° and is collaborating with potential countries to strengthen its position. Recently signed bilateral interim FTA with Australia is a vital and valid step in this regard. Human safety, equipment and process safety are in top focus in mining industry which is a consequential and appreciative result of stringent norms and policies put forward by the government. These policies will help the well-established and long-term players in the segment to grow multi-fold while opening the market for new entrants as well. Also, these policies will help more bilateral deals with many more countries on a mutual benefit scale.

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