By Dominick Rodrigues

Hyderabad : The Australian High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell AO, visited NMDC — the country’s largest Iron Ore producing Navratna Company — here along with Ms Sarah Kirlew, Consul General (South India) and Percy Bell, Minister-Counsellor (Economic).

The Australian delegation met Sumit Deb, CMD, NMDC; Amitava Mukherjee, Director (Finance); Alok Mehta, Director (Commercial) and Somnath Nandi, Director (Technical).

 Expressing happiness over the Australian High Commissioner’s visit, Sumit Deb, CMD – NMDC, said “NMDC is always looking to expand horizons and utilise the expertise that we have accrued over the years. The High Commissioner apprised us of the different opportunities available in Australia and we had a constructive discussion on the prospects of a joint collaboration.”

The delegation discussed how Australia can be of NMDC’s interest in critical and strategic mining activities. They also dwelled upon mutual cooperation and investment opportunities in mining in Australia.

Australia is a mineral-rich nation and its mineral industry is a significant contributor to its export trade. While it is one of the world’s leading producers of bauxite, iron ore, lithium, gold, lead, diamond, rare earth elements, uranium, and zinc, Australia also has large mineral sand deposits of ilmenite, zircon and rutile. In addition, Australia produces large quantities of coal, manganese, antimony, nickel, silver, cobalt, copper and tin.

 NMDC, with an experience of over six decades in mining is present in Australia through its subsidiary — Legacy Iron Ore Ltd and is undertaking exploration activities for gold projects.