IMME 2024 THE PULSE OF INDIA’S MINING INDUSTRY

IMME 2024 THE PULSE OF INDIA’S MINING INDUSTRY

India is one of the worlds largest producers and consumers of minerals, making mining a critical sector in its economic development. From coal to iron ore, limestone to bauxite, the countrys mining industry has witnessed significant growth over the years.

Equipment Times explores the mining industry in India, its economic importance, challenges, and future outlook.

Mining in India plays a vital role in the country’s industrial sector. India is rich in a variety of natural resources, and mining has been integral to the development of industries such as steel, cement, energy, and construction. The country is the third-largest producer of coal in the world, a mineral that supplies the majority of the nation’s energy requirements. India also ranks among the top producers of other key minerals like iron ore, bauxite, copper, and zinc, supporting a wide array of industries.

The mining sector contributed approximately 2.5% to India’s GDP in 2022. This may seem modest, but the sector’s indirect contributions—through employment, the creation of infrastructure, and the growth of associated industries—make it a cornerstone of India’s industrial and economic landscape.

Key Minerals and Their Significance

Coal: India is heavily reliant on coal as its primary source of energy. The country has the fourth-largest coal reserves in the world, predominantly found in states like Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. Coal is crucial for power generation, and despite efforts to transition to renewable energy, it remains indispensable for India’s energy security.

Iron Ore: India is one of the leading producers of iron ore globally, with significant deposits in states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka. The mineral is a key raw material for the steel industry, contributing to India’s position as one of the largest producers of steel in the world.

Bauxite: India has abundant bauxite reserves, primarily in Odisha, Gujarat, and Jharkhand. Bauxite is essential for the production of aluminum, which has applications in sectors ranging from construction and automobiles to aerospace and electronics.

Zinc and Copper: India is also a major producer of zinc and copper, with deposits found in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand. These minerals are essential for the manufacturing of electrical equipment, building materials, and various other industrial products.

Precious Metals: India’s mining sector also produces valuable precious metals like gold, silver, and gemstones, though its reserves are relatively smaller compared to other nations. Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh are key states for mining gold and gemstones.

Challenges Facing the Mining Industry in India

Despite its immense potential, India’s mining sector faces numerous challenges that hinder its growth:

Environmental Concerns: Mining activities often lead to environmental degradation, such as deforestation, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity. Addressing these concerns requires the implementation of sustainable mining practices, better regulation, and environmental restoration efforts.

Regulatory Hurdles: India’s mining industry is burdened by complex and sometimes ambiguous regulations. The lack of clear and transparent policies often results in delays in obtaining permits and land clearances, stalling development projects and discouraging investment.

Illegal Mining: Illegal mining remains a significant problem in India, especially in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. This unregulated activity not only impacts the environment but also leads to loss of government revenue and poor working conditions for laborers.

Infrastructure Deficiencies: The mining industry in India often faces logistical challenges due to inadequate transportation infrastructure, particularly in remote areas where mines are located. Poor connectivity increases the cost of extraction and distribution of minerals, making the industry less competitive.

Labor Issues: The mining sector is labor-intensive, and many workers in mines operate in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. The lack of skilled labor and proper training also limits productivity and safety, leading to accidents and fatalities.

Opportunities for Growth and Development

The mining industry in India holds immense potential for growth, and there are several opportunities for its development:

Technological Innovation: The adoption of advanced technologies like automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence can significantly enhance productivity, improve safety, and minimize environmental impact in mining operations.

Government Initiatives: The Indian government has launched several initiatives to boost the mining sector. The National Mineral Policy (2019) focuses on sustainable mining practices, exploration of new resources, and attracting investment into the sector. Additionally, the Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act, 2020 aimed at opening up commercial coal mining to the private sector, promising new opportunities for both domestic and international players.

Foreign Investment: India’s mining sector has attracted interest from foreign investors, particularly in the areas of exploration and technology. With the right regulatory framework in place, foreign investment could provide the necessary capital and expertise to unlock the country’s mineral wealth.

Focus on Sustainability: As global demand for sustainable and ethically sourced minerals rises, India has the opportunity to lead the way in adopting environmentally friendly mining practices. The focus on renewable energy, recycling, and responsible resource extraction can align the industry with global sustainability goals.

The Future Outlook

India’s mining industry is poised for growth in the coming years, driven by rising demand for minerals across sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. However, realizing this potential requires addressing the sector’s challenges through regulatory reforms, technological advancements, and increased investment.

With India’s vast mineral wealth, a growing economy, and a young workforce, the mining industry can continue to be a cornerstone of India’s industrialization. A strategic focus on sustainable development and responsible mining can help the country realize the full potential of its mining sector, making it a key player in the global minerals market.

Mining in India remains one of the most important industries, not just for its economic contributions but for the wealth of resources it provides to various industrial sectors. By overcoming its challenges, focusing on technological innovation, and promoting sustainability, the industry can continue to thrive and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s economy.

IMME 2024

India ranks as the world's third-largest producer of coal, following China and the U.S. It also leads in the production of mica blocks and mica splittings, while securing the 3rd position globally in crude steel production. The country ranks 4th in the production of chromite and iron ore, 5th in aluminum, 6th in manganese ore, and 7th in bauxite.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), India’s premier industry association and largest exhibition organizer, presented the 17th edition of the International Mining and Machinery Exhibition (IMME). Scheduled to be held from 23rd to 26th October 2024 at the Science City Exhibition Ground, Kolkata, India, IMME was the only focused trade fair for the mining industry in India. Australia was the Partner Country for the event.

The IMME 2024 proved to be a landmark event, showcasing India’s largest exhibition dedicated to the mining sector. The exhibition attracted participation from 8 countries and featured 5 country pavilions, further highlighting its global appeal. With over 350+ exhibitors, IMME 2024 presented cutting-edge technologies and innovations that are transforming the mining landscape.

Over the course of 4 days, the exhibition became a hub for industry leaders, offering a platform for over 10,000+ business visitors to network, explore new business opportunities, and discover the latest advancements in mining machinery and solutions. The event featured B2B networking forums, allowing exhibitors and visitors to engage in fruitful business discussions and partnerships.

A key highlight of the event was the 2-day Global Mining Summit, bringing together 50+ speakers and 700+ delegates from across the globe, including government representatives, PSUs, and major private-sector players. The summit focused on industry trends, digitalization, automation, and sustainability in mining. The participation of nodal agencies and media representatives further added to the event’s significance.

The exhibition was spread across a vast 75,000 sq. meters, making it a truly grand display of innovation, products, and solutions from some of the biggest Indian and international companies in the mining sector.

IMME 2024 successfully provided a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business development, setting the stage for the continued growth and modernization of the Indian mining industry.

IMME 2024 featured a wide array of mining machinery, equipment, advanced technology solutions, services, and supplies from both India and abroad. Since its inception in 1984, IMME has grown to become the largest mining exhibition in India, consistently bringing together key industry players and contributing to the dynamic growth of the mining sector.

While there were 4700 plus visitors and around 270 exhibitors included Crushing & Conveying Equipment, Machinery, Supplies & Consumables, Drilling & Blasting Equipment, Products, Explosives, Supplies, Excavation & Loading Equipment, Parts, Machinery, Supplies & Consumables, Exploration Equipment & Consulting Services, Mine Construction & Dust Control Equipment, Machineries and Systems, Mineral Processing Equipment & Machinery, Mineral Washing, Mineral Logistics, Motors, Water Pumps & Pipelines, Gears, Water Managements, Slurry Pumps & Equipment, Mine Planning, Mine Consulting & Surveying Services

Fuel Handling Equipment, Storage System & Services, Fuel, Lubricants, Supplies & Consumables

Health & Safety Equipment, Products & Services, Management, Environment, Health, Safety & Consulting Services, Raw Material Testing & Services, Instruments for Laboratory Equipment & Services, Alloy & Steel Producers & Suppliers, Communications, IT Software, Technology & Allied Services, IT Hardware, Supplies & Consumables, Electrical Equipment, Electrical Components, Lights, Instruments, Power Transmission & Generators, HVAC Systems, Financial & Legal Support Services, OTR Tyres, Wheels, Tyre Protector, Tyre Care, Government (Central & State) Department of Mines, PSU's, Subsidiaries, Associations, Institutions, Media & Publications House, Portals & E-Commerce and others.

Leaders speak

P. Jaya Prakash, General Manager (C.C.), NMDC, said, “At NMDC, technological innovation is the cornerstone of our commitment to sustainable and responsible mining. A flagship project within our innovation roadmap is the construction of a 135-km slurry pipeline. This environment-friendly, 15 MTPA pipeline extends from Bailadila to Nagarnar and beyond to Visakhapatnam, representing an emission free approach to material transport. By reducing reliance on carbon-intensive transportation methods, this slurry pipeline significantly lowers emissions while optimizing the efficiency of our operations. In parallel with this development, NMDC is enhancing its processing capabilities with the upcoming Screening Plant III at Kirandul and a similar facility at Donimalai. These screening plants are crucial in maintaining the quality standards that NMDC is renowned for, especially as we ramp up production. With advanced technology, these plants enable us to handle increased output efficiently while meeting the market’s demand for high-grade iron ore. Further strengthening our position in the value chain, NMDC is developing a 4 MTPA beneficiation plant in Bacheli, along with a 2 MTPA pellet plant at Nagarnar, with future expansion plans to raise its capacity to 6 MTPA, bringing sustainability in the production itself.”

Rajesh Nath, Managing Director, VDMA India, German Engineering Federation (VDMA), said, “At IMME 2024, VDMA organised the German Pavilion where the participating companies focused on promoting sustainable mining technologies and showcasing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The emphasis was on electric and hybrid equipment, automation, and digitalization in the mining sector. Feedback from potential clients and partners was largely positive, with many expressing interest in the commitment to sustainability and the advancements highlighted. Attendees appreciated the emphasis on innovative technologies and several discussions centred around potential collaborations and the integration of German technologies into existing operations, indicating strong market interest in the solutions. In fact, VDMA also organised the 4th Mining Management Meeting – Mining Machinery which was well received by the participating VDMA Members and turned out to be a very insightful discussion. The VDMA is focusing on several key technological innovations in mining equipment that align with current industry needs. Automation and digitalization, including autonomous vehicles and remote monitoring systems, enhance safety and operational efficiency through real-time data analytics. Sustainability is a priority, with developments in electric and hybrid equipment aimed at reducing emissions and energy consumption. Smart mining technologies leverage IoT solutions for better resource management and predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime. Innovations in advanced materials improve equipment durability and performance, while enhanced safety features, such as ergonomic designs and collision avoidance systems, address worker safety concerns. Overall, these innovations respond to the industry's demands.”

Siddharth Chaturvedi, General Manager, Marketing, Tata Hitachi, said, “The mining sector continued to perform well even during and post pandemic. Coal, which contributes to over 50% of the overall mineral production in India, has grown steadily at 7 to 8 % on a year-on-year basis, primarily driven by requirements in the power sector. Reduction in the import of coal also fuelled growth in domestic coal sector. Metal minerals like iron ore registered growth, along with non-metallic minerals like limestone. However, minor minerals, especially granite, faced some challenges as exports for these faced several issues, which are now gradually getting resolved.

The demand for mining equipment – which includes loading tools like excavators, hauling tools like dumpers as well as support equipment like wheel loaders – has also accelerated due to the increased production of the minerals. Regarding Construction, the industry is modernizing and mechanizing at a fast pace by adopting newer technologies, due to shortage of trained manpower. Driven by tighter deadlines to complete the projects and to keep the construction cost lower, the requirement of construction equipment has also been changing.”

Helen Gibson, General Manager, Underground Soft Rock, India, Komatsu, said, “New to our booth this year was our technical training panel which is used to teach engineers (our own and our customers’) to fault-find on our control system in a simulated environment, allowing breakdowns to be resolved quickly, thus minimizing downtime. The training panel is fitted with identical parts from our latest control system (Faceboss 2.0), Intellizone proximity detection and pairs with our newest two-way ‘BPX’ remote. We displayed productivity dashboards (using live data from an underground Continuous Miner), service digitization (using underground approved devices) and our virtual reality operator simulator. Customers have shown significant interest in these globally established, cutting-edge technologies, which are new to the Indian market.

Alongside IMME, Michelle Burich (one of our global mining application engineers) spoke at the Global Mining Summit about underground mine optimization. In the panel discussion, Michelle shared her 16+ years of underground experience to highlight the importance of production modelling to shape smarter mining strategies.”

Jeffrey Zuidgeest, Regional Director, BU Components, Hyva India, said, “IMME 2024 offered a platform for connecting with industry peers, potential clients, and key decision-makers in the mining sector. We witnessed a good participation from leading companies and stakeholders across the mining and machinery landscape. Despite hit by heavy rains during cyclone Dana for two days, networking opportunities were abundant, allowing us to engage with both existing customers and new prospects, each looking to enhance operational efficiency and safety. Visitor engagement was especially high at our booth, with many attendees showing strong interest in our Digital Tipping Systems (DTS Guide) and U-shaped Tipper Bodies. The interest and feedback we received affirm that our innovative solutions resonate well with the market's current needs and trends. Overall, IMME 2024 provided an excellent opportunity to showcase Hyva’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and digital innovation in mining.”

Prashanta Ganguly, Head OTR Marketing (Domestic Sales), Balkrishna Industries (BKT), said, “The demand for OTR (Off-the-Road) tires in construction equipment has grown steadily in recent years, largely driven by increased infrastructure projects and industrial expansion. Additionally, the rise in specialized construction equipment for tasks like earthmoving, mining, and road construction, infrastructure development has created demand for customised OTR tires that can handle heavy loads and rough terrains. Looking ahead, key trends include a shift towards more sustainable tire solutions, the integration of data-driven technologies, and a growing emphasis on fuel efficiency through low rolling resistance tires. One of the most notable is the use of advanced radial construction, which enhances load distribution and provides better traction and puncture resistance. BKT has also focused on developing specialized tread designs that resist wear and tear, particularly in harsh conditions like rocky or muddy terrains. Another significant advancement is in tire compounds—BKT has introduced high-performance compounds that improve heat dissipation and extend tire life. Additionally, self-cleaning tread patterns and reinforced sidewalls contribute to enhanced durability, making tires more suitable for demanding construction applications.”

Apurba Chakraborty, Vice President & Head – Domestic Channel Business, Groz Engineering Tools, said, “We manufacture equipment that helps service these giant machines used in heavy duty mining applications to operate smoothly in the toughest conditions. Like heavy-duty battery-operated greasing equipment, which can help greasing these machines at its best which in turn improves productivity and performance of the overall site operations. Also, high precision fuelling equipment that is needed on the spot for any quick fuel transfer with accurate measurement and reliable repeatability. Eco-friendly mining equipment and their service equipment goes side by side. As already mentioned during my earlier interview. We ensure every product that comes from the house of Groz is strictly as per standard ESG norms set in each and every country that we conduct our business; not only as a major domestic player but also as a leading and proud exporter from India.”