A $1.5 million government program will help create new export opportunities in India for Australia’s mining equipment and services companies, Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said today.

Minister Pitt made the announcement today as he visited the Bravus Mine in Central Queensland which is now producing coal for export to India.

“The Global Mining Challenge - India will identify key challenges within Indian mining companies and connect them with Australian METS companies which can provide solutions, including technical and operational support,” Minister Pitt said.

“The program will deliver a greater understanding of the Indian mining sector, enabling greater market penetration by Australian METS businesses.

“About 40 Australian METS companies are already active in India.”

Peak industry group for Australia’s METS sector, Austmine, will lead the program. 

Austmine has strong links with Indian resource companies and innovative Australian METS businesses already providing solutions globally.

Minister Pitt said the Global Mining Challenge is an important part of the Government’s Global Resources Strategy and will identify supply opportunities in India, linking them to Australian METS firms. 

“The Global Mining Challenge – India complements other partnerships with India, notably the Resources and METS Market Access and Preparedness Program,” Minister Pitt said.

“Together these two initiatives will help assist Australian METS companies to win more business in global supply chains.

“Our METS sector supports our resources and energy sector – Australia’s biggest export earner.

“METS exports alone, including technologies and services, are highly sought after and worth about $15 billion every year going to more than 200 countries. 

“The combined Mining-METS sector contributes an estimated 15 per cent to national GDP and supports around 1.1 million jobs.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt's office 02 6277 7180