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A high-level Western Australian delegation led by Premier of Western Australia, Dr. Geoff Gallop called on the Minister of Mines, Shri Sis Ram Ola, here today. The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest in the mining sector. The issues related to FDI in India by the Australian companies, the mineral policies of both the countries and the challenges being faced by the mineral sector. It was stated that a team from Western Australia will be visiting some of the mines in India where rehabilitation work has taken place.
Both the sides observed that with the liberalization of the Indian mining regime, India has received good response from the Australian mining companies. A number of Australian mining companies have been granted Reconnaissance Permits in various Indian States. The cooperation programmes under the framework of the Indian-Australian Joint Working Group on Energy & Minerals between the two countries have been very successful in identifying specific projects. The Memorandum of Understanding signed at Perth between Western Australia and the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Environment & Forests and Federation of Indian Mineral Industries on 25th May, 2005 on 'Cooperative Staff Development Related to Environmental Governance and Mine Rehabilitation' has been major milestone.
The Australian High Commission in India, Shri John MeCarthy and seven other members of the delegation representing Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Department of Industry & Resources of Western Australia participated in the meeting. Mines Secretary, Shri A.K.D. Jadhav and other senior officers of the Ministry took part in the meeting.
MLD/SCH
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