We offer a highly focused service model with innovative technologies that sets us apart.
Venkatesan Punniyamurthy
Head of Mining Capital Sales, Greater India region, FLSmidth
What are the current trends in the mining equipment and solutions market that you believe are shaping the industry?
Globally, while prominent metals like gold and copper continue to show strong market fundamentals, we are seeing a decline in prices for some other metals, such as iron ore and lithium. When prices drop, this can lead to reduced capital expenditure (capex) investments worldwide, as companies aim to do more with less through cost and operational optimization. This capex pressure could persist for a year or two. However, in the long term, the demand for metals will remain high, driven by the green transition and infrastructure development in emerging economies. In the Indian context, our per capita consumption of steel, cement, and other materials is still far below that of the Western world. This suggests that India has significant room for growth. Domestic demand will be a key driver in the coming years, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, affordable housing, airports, ports, and more, all of which will require substantial amounts of metal. Additionally, energy needs in India are significant. Currently, we generate approximately around 60% of our required energy, and with the government’s target of achieving 50% renewable energy of the required energy, metals like aluminum and copper will be crucial for transmission and distribution.
From an Indian perspective, with a more stable government and a stronger focus on eco-friendly policies, we anticipate growth in mining and metal consumption will outpace global trends in the coming years.
What products or solutions are you showcasing at this edition of IMME? What is your focus during the exhibition?
Our focus will be heavily on sustainability and the new technologies that support it. When I say sustainability, I’m referring to the fact that most of our top Indian customers —across industries—are actively embracing sustainability efforts. Not just in their operations, but in processing and mining as well. They are making significant strides toward net-zero goals by adopting technologies that reduce their carbon footprint, consume less energy, and conserve water through better recovery processes.
We are deeply committed to this cause through our MissionZero strategy—aiming to help our customers achieve net-zero emissions. We invest considerable time and resources in developing innovative products that are both compact and low on emissions, while also improving water recovery. For instance, in the mining sector, we specialize in the mineral processing space. Once the metal concentrates are recovered, the remaining waste—tailings—poses a significant environmental threat.
At the upcoming expo, we will showcase our cutting-edge filtration technology. In addition, we’ll present our High-Pressure Grinding Roller (HPGR Pro), which is designed to consume 30% less energy than conventional grinding methods like ball milling, offering significant efficiency improvements. We’ll also introduce products like KREBS® Slurry Pumps and KREBS® Hydrocyclones, which excel at particle classification—another example of world-class technology in our portfolio.
How does your company differentiate itself from the competitors in this mining sector?
We offer a highly focused service model with innovative technologies that sets us apart. Although we are a global company, we maintain a strong local presence, ensuring we are closer to our customers. For instance, while we operate globally, we have a dedicated team on the ground specifically supporting the Indian and Middle Eastern markets. This proximity allows us to address issues immediately, without concerns about different time zones. It's a key advantage that ensures quick availability and responsiveness.
What are your expectations for participating in IMME 2024? How do you plan to engage with visitors and stakeholders at the exhibition? Are there any specific goals or outcomes you are hoping to achieve from this event?
The IMME Expo offers an excellent platform for us to connect with our customers and partners, many of whom will be attending. It's a wonderful and efficient opportunity to engage with them directly. While we may assume our customers are already familiar with our portfolio, it's crucial to ensure that our offerings reach every level within their organizations. The expo also attracts young and mid-level professionals who represent future growth opportunities, making it a great space to expand our network. Additionally, we'll be showcasing products that allow us to demonstrate our capabilities practically. At the Global Mining Summit, we will have the opportunity to engage with global experts and customers.
What future trends do you foresee in mining, and how is your company preparing for these changes?
We envision our future focusing on four key areas:
Technological Advancement: We aim to strengthen our technological capabilities, refining our product portfolio to enhance our expertise. We plan to expand into the mining and minerals sector, dedicating time and resources to research and development to better serve our future customers.
Service Enhancement: Our plans for service improvement are ambitious. By expanding our workforce on the ground, we will be closer to our customers, enabling us to address their issues more effectively. This focus on service is crucial to our strategy.
Sustainability Commitment: Sustainability is a priority for our customers, who seek payback within 2-3 years, especially regarding capital expenditures. Our sustainability initiatives aim to reduce energy consumption, minimize our environmental footprint, and improve water recovery before discharge. These efforts align with our MissionZero strategy.
Financial Strength: We are committed to maintaining our financial health, which includes investing more in research and development. Additionally, we will explore partnerships with complementary companies to bolster our future prospects.
What are the major challenges and opportunities in mining equipment and solutions space?
There are numerous opportunities to provide sustainable solutions, particularly in the Indian market. However, the main challenge lies in demonstrating the effectiveness of these solutions. Embracing new technology often feels like taking a risk; and potential customers seek proof before committing. This demand for concrete data creates a significant hurdle. Nonetheless, we have customers who share our vision and are eager to implement these solutions. Our strategy involves collaborating closely with them to execute these initiatives. While proving the viability of our solutions with data remains a challenge, it is one we are prepared to tackle.
