Experts suggest 11 key measures for development of mining sector

OST Bureau

Bhubaneswar, Dec 15:

Mining engineers, Scientists and other experts from the steel and mining sector came out with 11 key recommendations that can help get maximum value-addition for the mining sector in Odisha, on the concluding day of a three-day International seminar on Mineral Processing Technology (MPT) organized by IMMT-Bhubaneswar here.

These recommendations include – priority exploration of new mineral reserves for import substitution; statutory encouragement for beneficiation of low-grade ores, pelletization fines and concentrates;   maximum recovery from industrial and e-wastes through advanced technology; due attention for pipeline transportation of ores to reduce load on environment and transport cost; minimal water usage in mining and mineral industry through effective recycling of process water, proper filtration and dewatering techniques and dry beneficiation of ores; government encouragement for additional human resource generation in mineral engineering; zero waste technology initiative for a sustainable planet; continual interaction among research, industry and academic sectors for indigenous technical solutions for  problems of mineral industry; industrial support for indigenous technologies for reduction of capital cost;  more supportive role by industry for practical training of students and last but not the least IIME to play key role in providing knowledge platform to tackle problems in processing difficult-to-treat ores.

The three-day long exercise witnessed deliberations on a whole range of issues like mineral characterization and processing, coal and ore preparation, separation of various ore materials, mineral beneficiation of low-grade ores, waste disposal and utilization, and pipeline slurry transportation.

“Appropriate utilization of mineral resources of the country will depend on proper recycling of materials,” said CEO and Dy. MD, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, Shri V.R. Sharma, the chief guest on the occasion.

“Mining and proper mineralogy has registered growth in many countries and India should be no exception;  Our current mineral resource is sufficient for a long survival and we need much more utilization of our resources now for best interest of our country,” he said adding “IMMT is ensuring the right strategy by encouraging mineral beneficiation, pelletization and gasification plants in the country.”

“The seminar has been very successful in terms of the quality of scientific presentations and participation of a large number of students from mineral engineering and mining subjects. The outcome of the seminar will be summarized with inputs from the executive body members of Indian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIME) and the policy recommendations of MPT-2013 and forwarded to various government bodies and lead industrial houses,” Prof. B.K. Mishra, Director, IMMT said.

The seminar was attended by 850 delegates from India and abroad. Besides, 120 students from premier technical institutions in the country participated in the event. 250 Technical issues were discussed among scientists, mineral engineers, industries and equipment manufacturers.