Automation and tele remoting of mining equipment and digitization are key enablers for Indian mining operations to match up with global standards says Mostafa Saber, Head Planning, Rampura Agucha Mine.

What is your outlook for the mining equipment industry post 2020?
We believe that post 2020 mining sector will be on boom and great demand of equipment will be in the market specially coal and base metals which need to ramp-up and explore new areas.

The growth of the mining sector is crucial for the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, what role will the mining equipment players play in this program?
The mining industry is extremely important to a self-reliant India though we are yet to see a local mining machinery and equipment manufacturer but we strongly believe that rock tools, spares and other consumables can easily be manufactured in India. Further enhanced skill and mining knowledge transfer from experts is key in realizing this vision.

At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that Indian mining operations match up to global standards, what kind of equipment will be necessary to achieve this?
Automation and tele remoting of mining equipment and digitization are key enablers for Indian mining operations to match up with global standards. After that skill and knowledge transfer will be key to this process.

In the wake of the ongoing pandemic, what kind of liberties should be mandated in the large mining contracts with higher contract tenures to ensure it’s a win-win for all the stakeholders involved?
Both mine owners and mine service providers are in unprecedented times and the need to be flexible in business and operational strategies is paramount. Thus, flexibility and open minded in both business and operational strategies are among the many elements that need to be adjusted if we are to see a win-win approach for both owners and service providers.

What are some of the products you are banking on in the current scenario?
We strongly believe that these three non-ferrous metals namely aluminium, copper and zinc will remain defiant mainly due to demand.