India is one of the largest producers of coal and minerals in the globe. The resources and mining equipment sector is a vital philanthropist to the nation’s economy. India’s coal reserves are the fourth largest in the world. In FY22, the coal production stood at 777.31 MT, an 8.55% YoY.
The Australian government has made significant investments in the sector, with a focus on sustainable mining practices and reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.
The country has also made significant progress in areas such as automation and digitalisation in the mining industry. Australia has a highly skilled workforce in the resources and mining equipment sector, with several world-class research institutions and manufacturing facilities. With the increasing demand for natural resources and the focus on sustainable mining practices, the resources and mining equipment sector in Australia is expected to continue to grow significantly in the future.
SOLID DEMAND:
- In FY22 (until August 2021), according to the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statics, iron ore exports reached US$ 2.23 billion, registering an increase of 21.8% YoY.
- The industries such as power and cement help in the expansion of the metals and mining sector. Also the rise in infrastructure development is driving growth.
DRIVING ADVANTAGE:
- The number of reporting mines was evaluated at 1,245, of which reporting mines for metallic minerals were estimated at 525 and non-metallic minerals at 720 in India as of FY22.
- India holds a healthy advantage in the production cost and conversion cost of steel and alumina.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES:
- In Union Budget 2021, the government reduced customs duty to 7.5% on semis, flat and extended by-products of non-alloy, alloy and stainless steels to dispense relief to MSMEs.
- The government of India announced a reduction of import duty on copper scrap from 5% to 2.5% in the Union Budget 2021 to boost the recycling of copper.
- The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote the sector, such as the National Mineral Policy and the Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act.
RISE IN INVESTMENTS:
- Until October 2022, India’s crude steel production stood at 71.3 MT in FY23.
- The Odisha government sanctioned five key industrial projects worth Rs. 1.46 lakh crore (US$ 19.60 billion) in July 2021, which are expected to boost the capacity of steel production by 27.5 million tonnes.
INTRODUCTION
Minerals are priceless natural resources that set out as essential raw materials for primitive industries. Hence the growth of this industry is crucial for the overall industrial development of a nation.The infinite resources of numerous metallic and non-metallic minerals that India is enriched with serve as a foundation for the expansion and advancement of the nation’s mining industry. To a large extent, India is self-sufficient in metallic minerals, including bauxite, chromites, and iron ore. As well as mineral fuels like coal and lignite. The industry has the potential to significantly impact GDP growth and foreign exchange earnings and give end-use fields of work like building, infrastructure, automotive, and electricity, among others, a competitive edge by obtaining essential raw materials at affordable rates.
Its strategic location enables export opportunities to develop as well as fast-developing Asian markets. The number of reporting mines in India was estimated at 1,425, of which reporting mines for metallic minerals were estimated at 525 and non-metallic minerals at 720 as of FY22.
India holds a legit advantage in production and conversion costs in steel and alumina.
Hikes in infrastructure development and automotive production are driving growth. Power and cement industries are also helping the sector. Demand for iron and steel will continue, given the strong growth expectations for the residential and commercial building industry.
MARKET DIMENSIONS
Mineral production is estimated at Rs.190,392 crore (US$ 24.95 billion) in FY22. India ranks fourth globally in iron ore production, which in FY21 stood at 204.48 million tonnes. Coal production in India stood at 777.31 MT (provisional), with a growth of 8.55% in FY2021-22, and it stood at 380.082 MT in FY 2022-23 (April-October 2022). Steel production in India increased by 18% to reach 120 million tonnes (MT) by FY22. India’s crude steel production stood at 71.3 MT in FY23 (until October 2022).
The manufacture of hot metal, crude steel and saleable steel in Q3 FY22 by SAIL stood at 1.55 MT, 1.44 MT and 1.46 MT, respectively. Integrated Aluminium production(primary and secondary) in India stood at 4.1 MT per annum in FY21, becoming the 2nd largest globally. Aluminium production stood at 3,285,186 tonnes between April 2020 and January 2021. India is the second- largest coal producer globally as of 2021.
INVESTMENTS AND GROWTH
Some of the major investments in the Metals & Mining sector in the recent past are as follows:
FDI inflows in the metallurgical industry stood at US$ 17.07 billion, followed by mining (US$ 3.40 billion), diamond & gold ornaments (US$ 1.21 billion) and coal production (US$ 27.73 million) industries between April 2000 and June 2022.
As per the advance estimates, the GVA from mining and quarrying stood at US$ 43.3 billion.
Iron and steel imports stood at US$ 1,991.41 million in October 2022.
Vedanta’s aluminium division will focus on backward integration and put two of its mines in Odisha into production in FY2023.
The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for the month of September 2022 stood at 99.5.
NMDC’s progressive iron ore production (until May 2022) stood at 6.35 MT as compared to 5.91 MT.
Iron ore exports stood at US$ 7.83 million in October 2022.
In FY 2021-22, India’s iron and steel export was valued at US$ 17.62 billion. During FY16-22, India’s export of iron and steel grew at a CAGR of 17.15%.
India’s total installed electricity generation capacity stood at 408,714.84 MW, as of October 31 2022.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
The Government of India has adopted few initiatives in the recent past, some of these are as follows:
The government plans to monetise assets worth Rs. 28,727 crore (US$ 3.68 billion) in the mining sector over FY 2022-25.
The government removed export duties on steel and stainless steel to strengthen the nation’s steel sector and allow it to firmly establish its position in the global market in November 2022.
The Ministry of Mines of the Government of India has signed MoUs with different nations and declared the Mineral Conservation and Development (Amendment) Rules in November 2021 to provide rules regarding conservation of minerals, systematic and scientific mining, and development of minerals in the country for environment protection.
Under the Ministry of Steel, the Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) supplied 48,200 tonnes of steel for the Purvanchal Expressway, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 16, 2021.
Unlatching India’s vast mineral potential by exploration this year, the Ministry of Mines has handed over 152 mineral block reports to different state governments until November 2021. 52 potential G-4 mineral blocks approved by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have been handed over to 15 state governments.
THE FUTURE AHEAD
The Government of India has helped to expand the metals and mining sector in India by launching key policy initiatives. There is appreciable scope for new mining capacities in iron ore, bauxite and coal and considerable opportunities for future discoveries of sub-surface deposits. Infrastructure projects continue to provide lucrative business opportunities for steel, zinc, and aluminium producers. Iron and steel make up a core component of the real estate sector. Demand for these metals will continue, given strong growth expectations for the residential and commercial building industry. The National Mineral Policy, approved by the government in February 2019, has ensured improved regulation and enforcement, more transparency, balanced social and economic growth, and sustainable mining techniques. The policy grants industry status to mining activities and boosts private-sector funding.
This also intends to facilitate the merger and acquisition of mining companies, entice private sector involvement in exploration, and permit the transfer of mineral corridors created specifically for metals and mining leases. Shortly, increased domestic demand and exports will play vital roles, carrying the industry’s expansion and contributing to GDP growth in a post-covid environment.
In Australia, the resources and mining equipment sector is a critical component of the country’s economy, with the country being one of the largest exporters of coal, iron ore, and other minerals in the world. Exports of Australian resources to India, primarily metallurgical coal but also copper and gold, will continue to account for the majority of our trade. We should keep pursuing Indian investment in Australian resource assets, including by maintaining our messaging on Australian business practices and investment environments. India, which is expanding and attempting to modernise its mining industry, is one of the most significant future markets for Australian METS companies. METS firms have an advantage over rivals, especially in the coal value chain and beneficiation. The level of resource trade between Australia and India is expected to remain high due to India’s anticipated growth. In sectors like metallurgical coal, copper, and gold, demand for Australian resources will be highest.