Australian Consul-General in Kolkata Bernard Lynch visited the headquarters of Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) in Ranchi and held discussions with senior officials on potential collaboration in advanced mining technologies.
Lynch was accompanied by Angelina Nair, Senior Research and Visits Officer at the Australian Consulate-General in Kolkata. The delegation met Ajay Kumar, Director (Technical/Planning & Design), CMPDI, along with other senior officials.
The discussions focused on strengthening technology cooperation and knowledge exchange between India and Australia across several areas of the mining sector.
Key areas explored during the meeting included mine planning and digitisation, underground mine control, communication and safety systems, underground and surface coal gasification, research and development, sustainability and decarbonisation, geomatics services, and coal and mineral beneficiation.
CMPDI officials highlighted opportunities for technical expertise and knowledge exchange between the two countries, particularly in areas where advanced technologies can support mining operations and improve sectoral capabilities.
The meeting also examined potential cooperation in research and development, along with technologies and practices related to sustainable and decarbonised mining. Geomatics and coal and mineral beneficiation were also identified as areas for possible collaboration.
Ajay Kumar emphasised the role of government-to-government engagement in facilitating and accelerating cooperation in advanced mining technologies. The interaction provided a platform to discuss possible avenues for deeper technical engagement between Indian and Australian mining stakeholders.
The latest engagement is part of broader India-Australia cooperation in the mining sector. A high-level delegation led by the Ministry of Coal had visited Australia in January 2026 to explore opportunities for collaboration with Australia’s Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) industry and in critical minerals.
The discussions at CMPDI underline the scope for further exchanges in technology, innovation and expertise, with potential cooperation spanning mine planning, safety, gasification, beneficiation and sustainable mining practices.