With the launch of commercial mining, it is expected to boost private participation, increase production, induce competition and enhance productivity by facilitating use of latest range of equipment, technology and service through higher investment says Piero Guizzetti, CEO, MB Crusher India. 

What are your thoughts on the reforms in the mining sector?
The government’s recent announcement of commercializing assets within the mining sector by auctioning the mines to the private players is the boldest reform I can remember in the recent past. With the launch of commercial mining, it is expected to boost private participation, increase production, induce competition and enhance productivity by facilitating use of latest range of equipment, technology and service through higher investment.

What kind of infrastructure upgrade initiatives should the government focus on to ensure the construction sector remains in robust health?
Infrastructure sector is the backbone of any economy and being one of the largest employers in any country, we firmly believe that the overall boost to the sector will have a domino effect on the other industries. Roads were one of the first to get the attention of the government and private players. There is still a lot to be done, it is well underway and the same will remain true for many more years to come. We believe there is a huge play in the modernisation of the railway network; lot has to be done in the privatisation of airports and niche opportunities in the buildings construction, particularly in urban areas.

What are some of the sectors which will drive growth for your business in the current economic cycle?
In India, the construction and mining activities is picking up slowly considering the ambitious infrastructure creation plans and the new reforms in mining announced by the government. There will be a growing requirement of aggregates in the coming years to meet the demand from the construction and infrastructure sector. After the recent policy reforms in India, the mining sector is expected to gain momentum. All these developments will surely drive the demand for crushing and screening solutions in construction and mining activities.

What are the equipment financing support you provide to your customers?
Owing to the still not yet stabilised curve of cases stemming from this pandemic, there is still a bit of uncertainty. With uncertainty, it is difficult to plan. Hence, for NBFCs, it is difficult to frame the new criteria for credit worthiness of its clients which is in turn affecting machine sales. 

I do believe that the government will ensure that liquidity is injected and that financing is reopened with new benchmarks set in place; it is the only way to kick start the economy in an expedited manner. We work very closely with our clients and our finance partners in trying to find solutions whereby we all give a bit of extra effort in these extraordinary circumstances, for the mutual benefit of all.