INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION I. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION’S OBJECTIVES: Geology and mining is an evolving field. Various countries have expertise in different sectors of this industry. Through international cooperation, we endeavor to access the expertise across the world. This is through personal exchange and training wherever feasible. Indian expertise in certain area is also been found useful by some countries who have utilized our training facilities to upgrade the skill of their personnel. The Ministry also makes effort to project mining sector of as an attractive investment destination in various international mining events for attracting foreign direct investment.

II. 8TH MEETING OF THE INDIA- AUSTRALIA JWG ON ENERGY AND MINERALS

8th meeting of the India-Australia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Energy and Minerals was held on 12th June, 2013 at New Delhi. Before that on 11th June, 2013 I three separate Workshops viz. (1) Mining and Coal Workshops; (2) Petroleum and Natural Gas Workshop; and (3) Power and New & Renewable energy Workshop were held. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Arun Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines and the Australian delegation was led by Dr. Subho Banerjee, Deputy Secretary, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, Government of Australia. The Joint Working Group agreed to the Work Programme for activities during 2013-2015 for the Action Plans on (i) Mining and Minerals, (ii) Petroleum and Natural Gas (iii) Coal, (iv) Power and (v) Renewal energy. Concerned Ministry / Departments signed the Work programme separately on 12th June, 2013 with the authority concerned of the Australian Government.

III. 6th JOINT WORKING GROUP (JWG) MEETING WITH ONTARIO PROVINCE OF CANADA.

The 6th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) between the Ministry of Mines, Government of India and the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) under the MoU signed on 8th July, 2010 relating to geology and mineral resources, was held on 20th September, 2013 at Bangalore, India on the sideline of ‘Mining Mazma- 2013’ Trade Show. Shri D.S. Mishra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines co-chaired the meeting from India side and Mr. Marc Leroux, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Northern Development & Mines co- chaired from Ontario side. During the meeting, both the sides agreed for further cooperation for the capacity building of Indian Bureau of Mines and Geological Survey of India (GSI).

IV. 2nd MEETING OF THE SUB-GROUP ON MINING BETWEEN INDIA AND RUSSIA

The Second meeting of the Sub-Group on the Mining of the Working Group on the Modernization and Cooperation in the field of industry of the Intergovernmental Russia –Indian Commission on Trade-Economic, Scientific-Technical and Cultural Cooperation was held on 27th September, 2013 in Moscow, Russia. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Alexey Mikheeev, Deputy Director of the Department of Metallurgy and Heavy Industry of Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation from the Russian side. Shri Naresh Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India co-chaired the meeting from the Indian side. During the meeting, cooperation in the field of ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, the mining equipment, and Cooperation with the Geological Survey of India and its counter-parts of Russia were discussed.

V. SIGNING OF LETTER OF RENEWAL FOR THE MOU WITH NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA

The Letter of Renewal for the Memorandum of Understanding concerning cooperation in the field of earth sciences and mining between the Ministry of Mines of the Republic of India and the Department of Natural Resources Canada was signed on 13th January, 2014 for a further period of four years upto 27th June, 2018 in the presence of Shri R.H. Khwaja, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India and Mr. Joe Oliver, Hon’ble Minister of Natural Resources, Canada. From Indian side, Shri R Sridharan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines signed on the letter of renewal and Mr. Jay Khosla, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Department of Natural Resources Canada signed on behalf of the Canadian side.

Exchange of Letter of Renewal for the MoU on cooperation in the field on earth sciences and mining between the Ministry or Mines of the Republic of India and Dept of Natural Resources, Canada between Shri. R. Sridharan, Addl Secretary, M/o Mines and Mr. Jay Khosla, Asstt Deputy Minister of Canada

VI. 1ST JWG MEETING WITH QUEBEC, PROVINCE OF CANADA

The first Joint Working Group meeting between the Quebec Province of Canada and the Ministry of Mines under the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of mineral resources signed on 24th May, 2012, was held in Toronto, Canada on 5th March, 2014 on the sideline of PDAC-2014. The meeting was co-chaired by Shri D.S. Mishra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines from Indian side. Mr Jean-Stéphane Bernard, Assistant Deputy Minister, Bilateral Affairs, co-chaired the JWG meeting from Quebec side. The JWG meeting discussed issues relating to Institutional Capacity Building, Interpretation of Geochemical Data, Exploration of Rare Earths and Metals, Technological Transfers in the field of Exploration, sustainable development of Mining Resources and Geo-mapping.

VII. 2ND STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING WITH NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA

2nd Steering Committee Meeting between the Ministry of Mines, Government of India and Department of Natural Resources Canada (NR Can) was held on 4th March 2014 at Toronto, Canada on the sidelines of PDAC- 2014. Shri D.S. Mishra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines co-chaired the meeting on behalf of Government of India and Ms. Donna Kirkwood, Director General, Earth Sciences Sector (ESS) and Ms. Stefania Trombetti, Director General, Minerals and Metals Sector (MMS) of NR Can co-chaired the meeting on behalf of Canada. During the meeting beside the follow-up discussion of the first Steering Committee meeting, issues on S&T collaboration in the area of green mining, Canada- India RADARSAT / RISAT Landslide Project, training and capacity building in the field of Platinum Group Elements (PGE) exploration and research were also discussed.

VIII. 7th JOINT WORKING GROUP (JWG) MEETING WITH ONTARIO PROVINCE OF CANADA.

The 7th Joint Working Group meeting between the Ministry of Mines, government of India and the Ontario Ministry of northern Development and Mines (MNDM) was held on 7th March, 2014 at Sudbury, Ontario in Canada. Shri D.S. Mishra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines co-chaired the meeting on behalf of India and Ms. Cindy Blancher-Smith, Assistant Deputy Minister of MNDM, co-chaired on behalf of the Ontario Province of Canada. During the meeting issues relating to outsourcing PGE analysis and transfer of technology, exposure to modern mining technologies to ensure scientific and systematic mining with focus on proper post mine closure measures etc were discussed.

IX. MEETING WITH THE DELEGATION OF AFGHANISTHAN

A meeting was held between Shri Dinsha Patel, Hon’ble Minister of Mines, Government of India and Afghan delegation led by H.E Wahidullah Shahrane, Hon’ble Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on 22nd August, 2013 in New Delhi. Both the Minister reviewed the bilateral relations and development of cooperation in the field of mineral resources.

Meeting between Shri Dinsha Patel, Hon’ble Minister of Mines, Government of India and H.E Wahidullah Shahrane, Hon’ble Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan at New Delhi

X. MEETING WITH THE DELEGATION OF MOZAMBIQUE

A meeting between delegations of Mozambique led by H.E. Mrs. Esperanca Bias, Minister for Mineral Resources of the Republic of Mozambique and the Ministry of Mines led by Shri Dinsha Patel, Hon’ble Minister of Mines, Government of India was held in New Delhi on 16th January, 2014. During the meeting discussions were held to promote mutual cooperation for the development in the mining sector of both the countries specifically in the area of geological mapping and research, mineral exploration including small scale mining, training in identified areas indicated in the MoU signed on 30th September, 2010.

XI. MEETING WITH THE DELEGATION OF MONGOLIA

A meeting between Dr. Anup K. Pujari, Secretary, Ministry of Mines and the mining delegation of Mongolia led by Mr. O. Erdenebulgan, Vice Minister of Mining, Mongolia was held on 29th March, 2014 at Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi. During the meeting, it was discussed to revitalize the activities for cooperation between the two countries and to revive the MoU for cooperation on geology and mineral resources signed between the two countries in September, 1996.

Meeting between the Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India and Mongolian Mining delegation held on 29th march, 2014 at Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi

XII. PARTICIPATION IN LEADING INTERNATIONAL MINING EVENT ABROAD: A. 15TH CHINA MINING CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION - 2013 An eighteen member Indian delegation led by Shri R. H. Khwaja, Secretary, Ministry of Mines participated in the 15th China Mining Conference and Exhibition Tianjin - 2013 (CMCET, 2013), held at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre, China from 2nd to 5th November, 2013. The Indian delegation consisted of members from , and Central & State PSUs and representatives from the Embassy of India, Beijing, China. About 7000 delegates, 470 exhibitors from 55 countries and regions attended the event. 11 Foreign Mining Ministers and equivalent level officers attended and addressed Keynote sessions. An India Pavilion of an area of 30 sq.mtr was set up by the Ministry of Mines which exhibited the country’s natural resources deposits, geological maps and showcased the core activities of each participating PSUs. Large number of participants from different countries visited the India Pavilion.

B. MINING INDABA 2014

‘MINING INDABA’ which is the largest mining convention/exhibition of the African Continent held annually at Cape Town, South Africa. ‘MINING INDABA-2014’ was held during 3rd to 6th February, 2014. A 26 member Indian delegation led by Shri Arun Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, included participants from various Ministries, Industry Bodies and Private industry participated in this mining event at Cape Town, South Africa. In Mining Indaba 2014 more than 9000 delegates, around 1500 companies from 110 countries were participated. Representatives of about 40 African governments were attended including 18 ministers from African countries; Australia, Canada, China and Japan were a major presence. The convention was visible larger than that of 2013. An Indian Pavilion was set up not only to represent the country but also showcased capabilities and requirements of the select PSUs of the Government of India. An Indian session was held at the Convention Centre on 4th February, 2014. Shri Arun Kumar, Joint Secretary (Mines), made a presentation on the over view of the mining and economic scenario of India showcasing the strengths, possibilities and requirements of India in mining sector when over 150 delegates from various countries attended. The Indian delegation at appropriate levels interacted with dignitaries from African countries and commercial forums.

C. PDAC CONVENTION – 2014

The ‘PDAC-2014’ which is the largest and most important and prestigious events in the global mining industry, was held during 2nd to 5th March, 2014 at Toronto, Canada. The Annual Convention of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is a major mining event. The PDAC Conference 2014 was attended by delegates from all over the world. Government of India led by Shri R. Sridharan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines along with participants from other Government Departments, representative states Governments and the representatives from the Central and State Government’s PSUs participated in PDAC 2014. India put up Indian Pavilion which received the attention of large number of visitors and prospective investors. An ‘India Day’ was also organised on 3rd March, 2014, concurrently with the PDAC convention, which showcased India’s mineral wealth and capabilities and potential of the Indian Mining Industry as an investment destination.

********* MoUs which has still valid/automatic validity period

Sl. Country Date of Valid Till / Comments No. signing of Automatic MoU / Validity Agreement 1. Afghanistan 4.10.2011 3.10.2016 No JWG meeting is held so far. 3.10.2021 2. Australia Terms of JWG constituted under the JMC. 8th meeting of the Reference of JWG was held in New Delhi 11-12 June, 2013. Work JWG under Programme 2013-15 was signed separately by JMC signed Ministries of Mines, Coal, Power, New & Renewable on Energy and Petroleum & Natural Gas. 10.4.2000 3 Canada 27.6.2010 26.6.2018 Letter of renewal for validity period of MOU for a period upto 26.6.2018 was signed on 13.1.2014 at New Delhi. 2nd Steering Committee meeting was held on the sidelines of PDAC- 2014 at Toronto, Canada on 5th March, 2014. 4. Ontario 08.07.2010 07.07.2015 7th JWG meeting was held at Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Province on 7th March, 2014. (Canada) 5 British 17.11.2011 16.11.2016 1st Meeting of the JWG held on 12th March, 2012 at Columbia 16.11.2021 Vancouver, Canada. (Canada) 6. Saskatchewan 15.03.2011 14.3.2016 First Meeting of JWG held on 8-9 March, 2012 at Province, Regina, Canada. Canada 7. Quebec 24.5.2012 23.5.2015 First Meeting of JWG held on the sidelines of PDAC- (Canada) 2014 at Toronto, Canada on 4th March, 2014. 8. Chile 17.03.2009 16.03.2014 1st Meeting of JWG held on 2.2.2010 at Chile. No 16.03.2019 further JWG meeting is held. 9. Malawi 3.11.2010. 2.11.2015 First Meeting of JWG held on 17.10.2011 at New Delhi. 2.11.2017 10. Mali 11.01.2012 10.01.2017 No JWG meeting is held so far. 10.01.2022 11. Mozambique 30.09.2010. 29.09.2015 1st JWG meeting was held on-1-2 March, 2012 at 29.09.2017 Maputo.

12 Namibia 31.10.2009 30.10.2014 2nd JWG meeting was held on 21st May, 2012 at New 30.10.2019 Delhi. 13. Peru 13.7.2012 12.7.2017 No JWG meeting is held so far. 12.7.2022 14. Uzbekistan 26.04.2006 25.04.2011 2nd Meeting of the JWG held on 15.9.2011 at New 25.04.2016 Delhi. 15. Colombia 04.05.2011 03.05.2016 Proposal sent for setting up JWG. 03.05.2021 16. Russia Discussions are going on in 2nd meeting of the Sub-Group on Mining was held on the Sub Group on Mining for 27th September, 2013 at Moscow, Russia under the cooperation in mining sector India- Russia Working Group on Modernization and under the India- Russia Industrial Cooperation (coordinated by DIPP) of India- Working Group coordinated Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) on by DIPP. Trade, Economic, Scientific & Technical and Cultural Cooperation (coordinated by MEA). MoUs / Agreements under negotiations

Sl. Country Date of signing Valid Till / Comments No. of MoU / Automatic Agreement Validity

1. Nigeria MEA had The draft MoU has been examined and modified. forwarded a Modified draft sent to MEA in December, 2008 for draft MoU passing on the Nigerian side. received from the Nigerian side. 2. Brazil Draft MoU has been prepared and sent to Indian Embassy in Brazil.

3. Mongolia 16.09.1996 15.09.1999 JWG meeting held on 7-9 June, 2010. 15.09.2012 2nd Meeting of the Sub-Group was held on 15.12.2010. Secretary (Mines) chaired a meeting on 5.1.2011 regarding pre-qualification of coal project. 4. China 15.9.2005 14.09.2008 5. South Africa 7.10.1997 6.10.2002 MEA has been requested to take up the matter with 6.10.2007 the High Commission of India, Pretoria.

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