Rakhi Mazumdar, ET Bureau Feb 2, 2016, 06.39PM IST

Organised by the Mining, Geological & Metallurgical Institute of India, in collaboration with TAFCON, the conference will have over 300 exhibitors, 600 delegates, with participation from over 30 countries. The event is being supported by ministries of Coal, Mines, Steel, Power, Heavy Industries, External Affairs and Coal India Ltd.

It aims to focus attention of global mining companies to India’s mining industry which is poised to reach $36 billion. The country hosts a wide range of globally significant mineral resources, including four fuel minerals, 11 metallic minerals, 22 minor minerals, and 52 non-metallic minerals.

With foreign direct investment in the mining sector for all non-atomic and non-fuel minerals being fully opened up to 100% through the automatic route, including for diamonds and precious stones, the mining sector is in the right place to create considerable global interest. Some of the leading participants include , , ,

IME 2016 will focus on a display of mining, minerals, machinery and metallurgical latest technologies and their innovative applications, research& development, logistics, safety & health aspects of the mining and allied industry and include high level trade delegations from the US, Australia, China, and the Czech Republic.

“One of the bright spots in the mining industry scenario is the fact that an increasing number of Indian companies are venturing overseas to secure stable, long-term supplies of minerals like coal and iron ore,” I P Wadhwa, managing worker of Tafcon said. “It will be the ideal platform for displaying and launching new initiatives in the mining sector, as well as showcasing products and technologies, establishing joint ventures, developing and renewing international and regional contacts,” he said.

IME 2016 will be held concurrently with 6th Asian Mining Congress, which will be held under the theme “Resurgence of Mineral Industry in Asia”.