Monday, June 30, 2008

Usha Martin signs agreement to explore for minerals in the State of Jharkhand

Singapore, June 30, 2008 : BHP Billiton and Usha Martin have signed a definitive agreement to set up a joint venture company Bharat Minex Private Limited to jointly explore for minerals in the state of Jharkhand in India.

About Usha Martin

Usha Martin Limited, leading producer of speciality steel and one of the largest wire rope manufacturers globally, is engaged in manufacture of wire, wire ropes, steel with captive mineral linkages of iron ore and coal and cables and has manufacturing facilities in Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Hoshiarpur, Silvassa, UK, Thailand and UAE. It has created a worldwide distribution, service and marketing network spread across the US, UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle and Far East.

About BHP Billiton

BHP Billiton is the world’s largest diversified natural resources company, with some 39,000 employees across 100 operations in approximately 25 countries. Its operations encompass a broad range of commodities including aluminium, energy coal, metallurgical coal, copper, manganese, iron ore, uranium, nickel, diamonds, silver and titanium minerals, oil, gas, and liquefied natural gas.

In 2007, BHP Billiton generated turnover of US$ 47.5 Billion, and attributable profit (excluding exceptional items) of US$ 13.7 Billion.

BHP Billiton is dual listed on both the Australian and London stock exchanges, with its headquarters in Melbourne Australia.

JAI BALAJI INDUSTRIES LTD. FULL YEAR REVENUE RECORDED STRONG GROWTH





JAI BALAJI INDUSTRIES LTD.

FULL YEAR REVENUE RECORDED STRONG GROWTH

Kolkata – 30th June, 2008

Jai Balaji Industries Limited, the flagship company of Jai Balaji Group has approved its audited results for the year ended 31st March, 2008 in the meeting of the Board of Directors held today. It has reported an impressive performance during the financial year 2007- 08. During the year total revenue of the Company was Rs. 1,347.28 crore, representing an increase by 29.7% as compared with that of financial year 2006-07. The Net Profit saw a significant rise to Rs. 118.87 crore, representing an increase of 91% from that of 06 -07.

The earning per share for the year was Rs. 25.23 as compared to Rs 13.20 in the previous year representing an increase of 91%. The Board of Directors recommended a final dividend of 10% on equity shares of the Company for the financial year 2007-08.

During the year under review, revenue of the Company recorded a significant increase due to surged sales volume and market prices in the iron and steel industry.

The Company continued its operation strategy of fine-tuning its product mix, maintaining an increasing proportion of sales volume of higher margin Finished products and H-section steel, which provided a positive contribution to the Company’s annual results. The massive infrastructure development and urbanization in India had led to a surge in demand for the Company’s steel products.

“Although the cost of sale increased during the year due to raw material pressures, the Company was able to successfully maintain and improve margins. Its strategy of cost control, fine-tuning its product mix, building the brand and focusing on the customers enabled the Company to increase the gross profit margin” said Mr. Aditya Jajodia, Chairman and Managing Director of Jai Balaji Industries Limited.
During the year, company expanded organically and in-organically. The company has successfully completed two acquisitions namely steel division of HEG Ltd. at Chattisgarh having a Sponge Iron plant of the capacity of 120,000 MT p.a., Steel Melting Shop of the capacity of 100,000 MT p.a. and a 13 MW Captive Power Plant and Nilachal Iron & Power Ltd. in Jharkhand having a sponge iron plant of the capacity of 100,000 MT p.a.

“We will grow and the growth will be rapid. Every opportunity, Greenfield or Brownfield which is in synergy with our present operation will be explored and adopted.” remarked Mr. Aditya Jajodia.

During the year, company has raised capital of Rs 335.04 crore by way of private placement of 83,59,000 zero coupon compulsorily convertible debentures (CCDs) to Citi Venture International and India Equity Partners and 96,00,000 warrants to promoters and non-promoters. Each CCD and warrant is convertible into one equity share within 18 months from the date of allotment at a conversion price of Rs.326.90 per equity share.

Jai Balaji has also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of West Bengal for setting up a 5 million tonne integrated steel plant, 3 million tonne cement plant and 1,215 MW captive power plant in Purulia District of West Bengal. Company is hopeful to kick off its first module there as early as possible.

Announcing the results here today, Aditya Jajodia, Chairman and Managing Director of Jai Balaji Group said “In terms of relative standing, India is placed among the one of the top countries globally with reserves of Iron ore and Coal. Speedy allotment of captive raw material resources will enable the industry to harness the immense opportunity and potential to develop a scaled up, world class fully integrated steel industry. Speed of growth and execution skill will be the key factors that will determine the extent to which the available opportunity was exploited. At Jai Balaji we recognize this fact and with combined effort from all the stakeholders we will achieve the desired results.”

ArcelorMittal increases shareholding in Macarthur Coal to 19.9%

Luxembourg, 29 June 2008 - ArcelorMittal today announces that it has increased its stake in Macarthur Coal Limited (ASX: MCC) from 14.9% to 19.9%, following the acquisition of a further 5 % stake (10,607,830 shares) from Talbot Group Holdings.

The shares were purchased at $ AUD 20, bringing ArcelorMittal’s total investment in Macarthur Coal to $ AUD 843 million. The purchase is subject to Foreign Investment Review Board approval.

The acquisition of this holding is in line with ArcelorMittal’s strategy of securing its supply of raw materials, in this case through the acquisition of a stake in a leading supplier of low volatile pulverised coal injection (PCI) coal.

About Macarthur Coal

The Company is Queensland-based with its mining assets situated in Queensland’s Bowen Basin and its corporate headquarters located in Brisbane.

Macarthur Coal is a key supplier of low volatile PCI coal to the steel mills of Asia, Europe and the Americas, providing approximately 44% of the low volatile PCI coal exported from Australia.

The Company’s major assets are Coppabella Mine and Moorvale Mine. Macarthur Coal has large exploration tenement holdings which provide a project pipeline for the development of new mines.

Macarthur Coal’s mines and exploration tenements are held within unincorporated joint ventures, a structure which has allowed the Company to gain significant strategic benefits by involving other parties in its projects.

About ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal is the world's largest integrated metals and mining company, with over 310,000 employees in more than 60 countries.

ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. An industrial presence in over 20 countries across 4 continents exposes the company to all the key steel markets, from emerging to mature.

ArcelorMittal key financials for 2007 show revenues of USD 105.2 billion, with a crude steel production of 116 million tonnes, representing around 10 per cent of world steel output.

ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris ( MTP), Brussels (MTBL), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS).

ArcelorMittal enhances its distribution activities in United Arab Emirates

Luxembourg, 30 June 2008 - ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest integrated metals and mining company, announces that it intends to acquire 60% of the entire issued share capital of DSTC FZCO, a newly incorporated company located in the Dubai free zone.

Together with DSTC FZCO, ArcelorMittal is widening its offering in the Middle Eastern area. DSTC FZCO will acquire the main business of a steel distributor in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai Steel Trading Company LLC (“DSTC LLC”).

This new acquisition is the first step towards the creation of a fully-fledged distribution network in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area for the distribution of long and flat steel products (beams, plates, hollow sections).

“This is an important partnership that will spearhead our distribution network in the Middle East Area”, said Philippe Darmayan, CEO of ArcelorMittal Steel Solutions & Services.

About ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal is the world's largest integrated metals and mining company, with over 310,000 employees in more than 60 countries.

ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. An industrial presence in over 20 countries across 4 continents exposes the company to all the key steel markets, from emerging to mature.

ArcelorMittal key financials for 2007 show revenues of USD 105.2 billion, with a crude steel production of 116 million tonnes, representing around 10 per cent of world steel output.

ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris ( MTP), Brussels (MTBL), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS).

For more information about ArcelorMittal visit: www.arcelormittal.com

About DSTC LLC

DSTC LLC is a Dubai-based privately owned entity, founded in 1986, which currently employs 50 personnel. It sells principally to the construction market, which represents more than 50% of its activity. DSTC LLC's distributes approximately 120,000 tonnes of products per year. In 2007,its revenues were about €70 million.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Nokia targets rural India in expansion plans

New Delhi: Rural India could well become the focus of the world's biggest mobile phone maker, Nokia Oyj, in its expansion plans in one of the fastest-growing wireless markets, according to its chief executive officer and president Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo. India is already adding about eight million mobile-phone subscriptions a month, making the country one of the world's fastest-growing markets for both Nokia and its rivals.

Kallasvuo added that India's countryside consisting of nearly 1.1 billion people could be greatly impacted by Nokia's plans, as many are still not linked through telecommunications. "People can earn their living, stay in touch and reach their mobile communities more easily and, definitely yes, we have to put a lot of more emphasis here to increase our presence and penetration in the rural areas," he said.

"We see and continue to see rural areas as a great opportunity and potential in the future," he told reporters here. The Finnish major revealed in a press statement that it may adopt the microfinance route to escalate its market presence. It would also come up with special offers which could make mobile phones more attractive buys.

"Nokia India, which is now engaged in providing agriculture-based solutions catering to farmers, is working with content providers and has started programs for farmers," it said. The solutions range from providing information on market prices for agricultural products and weather updates to financing options, it said.

Nokia hopes to target the local village consumers to enhance its rural distribution network and tapping virgin markets, by launching awareness programmes for them and educating them about the benefits of mobile phones. Nokia also plans to incorporate opportunities in Internet services on mobile phones.

India becomes most-favoured investment destination for Japan

New Delhi: The Ranbaxy-Daiichi deal attracted a lot of interest, which was only to be expected, since it was the largest Japanese acquisition in India till date. But the Japanese business association with India has been growing for a while now.

A recent survey conducted by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) shows that India has become the most-favoured destination for long-term Japanese investment.

While nearly 70% of Japanese manufacturers regard India as the most attractive country to do business over the next 10 years, around 67% preferred China. Russia came third with a 37% rating, followed by Vietnam at 28%.

During 2007, which was ascribed as the Indo-Japan friendship year, Anchor Electricals was sold out to Osaka-based Matsushita and Lumax industries was acquired by Japan’s Stanley Electric world leader in illumination products.

In 2006, the Poonawala Group sold its stake in Eagle Seals and Systems to Japan’s Eagle Industry. And 2005 witnessed two acquisitions, one was the stake purchase in International Tractors by the Yanmar group and the other was the acquisition of Chennai’s SRP Tools by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The automobile sector has been the area where the Japanese presence is the most noticeable. But their interest has now spread to various sectors like machine tools, electronics and IT. According to India Brand Equity Foundation, Japan ranks fifth in terms of cumulative FDI equity inflow into India. Japan’s FDI in India is projected to be around $5.5 billion over 5 years from 2006 to 2010.

Canon India President and CEO Kensaku Konishi says: “India is a growing economy, hence a lot of Japanese companies want to invest here. However, because of less work experience in this part, in terms of not only size but language as well as culture, acquisition is one of the better alternatives to enter Indian market.”

Many sectors in the developed Japanese economy, which have a negligible growth rate, do not have much scope to grow. In view of this, Japanese companies need a presence in emerging markets to grow. Ernst & Young India Head, Japanese business services Amitabh Singh points out, “Till some time ago, for Japanese companies it was mainly China, Thailand and other south east countries. But now India has become so attractive that it can’t be ignored.”

Moreover, there is no dearth of funds as Japanese banks are ready to loosen their purse strings to fund the acquisition plans of their corporates. A senior executive from a Japanese infrastructure company says, “Traditionally Japanese have found automobiles, IT and now pharmaceuticals in India to be attractive. But now even other sectors are also being looked at. With India’s growth forecast to slow down, a final decision on entering India has not been made.”

Finance seems to be one of the attractive sectors being explored by Japanese companies. While Shinsei Bank has set up its investment arm in India, Nomura Holdings, Japan’s largest securities firm, has already expressed its intent to venture into Indian markets. It is open to acquiring outfits involved in broking business and investment banking among others.

FDI rises by 127 per cent in April 2008

New Delhi: The high inflation in India has not affected foreign investors' enthusiasm about its economic growth. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in April saw a massive 127 per cent rise over the period last year, touching US$ 3.74 billion.

FDI in 2007–08 was US$ 25 billions and the target for the current financial year has been set at US$ 35 billion.

"I want to dispel fears of any economic slowdown and investment drying up," said Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath on June 26, 2008. He further added that even though the rising interest rate was affecting the cost of production, the industry would sustain a growth momentum of 8–9 per cent in 2008–09.

In April, 2007–08 FDI was US$ 1.64 billions— less than half the FDI in April this fiscal.

Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath was equally optimistic about exports which have grown by 31.5 per cent in April touching US$ 14.4 billions from US$ 10.94 billions in the first month of the last fiscal.

Tata Steel : Price : Rs757

Tata Steel reported FY08 adjusted consolidated net profit of Rs62.7bn which was below our estimates by 5%. Consolidated net sales stood at Rs1315.4bn with consolidated EBITDA at Rs180bn marginally below expectation. The company reported EBITDA margin of 13.7% which was below our expectation of 15.4% mainly on account of lower EBITDA margin at Corus. Corus reported EBITDA margin of 9.1% which was below our expectation of 12.8%. The margins at Corus were below our estimates on higher than expected cost push. The consolidated reported net profit stood at Rs123.5bn which, adjusting for one time items of Rs60.7bn that brings the net profit to Rs62.7bn. During 4QFY08, Corus settled its iron ore and coking coal contracts at 65% and 215% hike respectively. Against that, it announced price hike of USD160t and USD208/t for its automotive contracts. It has also announced significant price hikes in other products (sold in spot market) in the range of USD100/t to USD200/t in addition to hikes announced in 3QFY08. We do not change our estimates of FDEPS of Rs108.3 for FY09 and maintain BUY on stock with target price of Rs1083 (10x FY09 FDEPS)

ArcelorMittal, Hunan Valin Group and Hunan Valin Steel Co. launch new Automotive Steel Joint Venture

Luxembourg/Changsha, 27 June 2008 - ArcelorMittal, Hunan Valin Group and Hunan Valin Steel Co. announced today a new development in their cooperation with the launch of Valin ArcelorMittal Automotive Steel, an industrial and commercial automotive joint venture that will have an annual production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes of flat carbon steel, mainly for automotive applications. Products will include cold rolled steel, galvannealed steel and pure zinc galvanized steel. The setup of this new joint venture is still subject to regulatory approval.
Hunan Valin Steel Co., Ltd will own 34% in the new joint venture, and ArcelorMittal and Hunan Valin Group will each have a 33% equity share.
The new activity will be located in Hunan Province next to Hunan Valin Steel Co.’s subsidiary, Lianyuan Steel, which will supply hot rolled coil to the new joint venture.
Speaking today, Lakshmi Mittal, Chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal said: “We have been working closely together with Hunan Valin Steel Co. for three years now and the cooperation is going very well. We are making a lot of progress and the signing of these joint venture contracts is only further proof of this. This automotive joint venture is part of our global and China strategy, aiming to better serve both our global as well as domestic automotive clients by offering high value added products with the support of ArcelorMittal technology.”
Mr. Li Xiaowei, Chairman of Hunan Valin Group, said: “Hunan Valin’s long term development and future really depends on the technological platform jointly set up with ArcelorMittal. Valin is structurally transforming its product portfolio and targeting high added-value products, allowing us to differentiate ourselves from our competitors and to accelerate the transformation of Hunan province.”
About Valin Group
Valin Group is a large-sized enterprise set up by three steelmakers in Hunan province in 1997 --- Xiangtan Iron & Steel, Lianyuan Iron & Steel, and Hengyang Steel Tube, currently with 57,000 employees including 12,000 technical staff. Valin Group now has over 10 subsidiaries under direct or indirect control, including Xiangtan Iron & Steel, Lianyuan Iron & Steel, Hengyang Steel Tube, Nanfang Building Materials, etc., with a stable operating and governance system based upon sound capitals and assets.
Over the past 7 years, Valin Group has achieved coordinated leap-frog development through innovation, capital operation and optimized restructuring, aiming to become larger and stronger. In 2007, Valin Group witnessed sales revenue RMB 50.3 billion, 38% higher y.o.y., which is the first enterprise which exceeded 50 billion revenue in Hunan province.
About Hunan Valin Steel
Hunan Valin Steel Co., Ltd is a public company listed in China’s Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 1999. Until May 31st, 2008, the number of its shares totals to 2,737,650,025. Valin Steel mainly produces cold and hot rolled super-thin coils, heavy plates, seamless pipes with a wide range of diameters, fine wire rods, etc. Equipped with state-of-the-art production lines in plate, tube and wire, Valin Steel’s products enjoy world class technology and quality, and cater to a diferent market segments in more than ten countries and regions, such as US, Singapore, Korea, Australia, Middle East, south Europe, Malaysia.
In 2007, Valin Steel produced 11.12 million tonnes of steel products, with total assets, turnover and profit amounting to RMB 48.4 billion, RMB 43.8 billion and RMB 234,000 respectively. It is now China’s 10th largest steel company.
About ArcelorMittal
ArcelorMittal is the world's largest integrated metals and mining company, with over 310,000 employees in more than 60 countries.
ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. An industrial presence in over 20 countries across 4 continents exposes the company to all the key steel markets, from emerging to mature.
ArcelorMittal key financials for 2007 show revenues of USD 105.2 billion, with a crude steel production of 116 million tonnes, representing around 10 per cent of world steel output.
ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris ( MTP), Brussels (MTBL), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS).

ArcelorMittal announces adjustment to flat carbon steel prices for the European market

Luxembourg, 27 June 2008 – ArcelorMittal announces it has adjusted its prices for flat carbon products in Europe for new bookings with delivery scheduled for September 2008.
The new base price level for Hot Rolled Coil will be 770 €/t. Cold rolled and coated flat product prices will be adjusted in price accordingly.
Commenting, Olli-Matti Saksi, VP Sales and Marketing of ArcelorMittal Flat Carbon Europe said: "This further adjustment is a direct result of a robust demand throughout most of Europe as well as on the global market. We expect that the tight global supply situation and ongoing cost increases will result in continued upward pressure on steel prices in forthcoming quarters.”
ArcelorMittal is aiming to finalise prices for contracts to be delivered in October by mid-July.

JNPT HANDLED A RECORD TRAFFIC OF 55.84 MILLION TONES IN 2007-08 THIRU. T.R. BAALU REVIEWS THE PERFORMANCE

The Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Thiru T.R. Baalu reviewed here today the performance of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, the premium Container Hub Port on the West Coast of India.
In 2007-08, JN Port handled traffic of 4.06 million TEUs (55.48 million tones) registering 23% increase over the previous year. This is also 13% more than the target set by the Ministry of Shipping for this Port. The Minister was informed at the review meeting that the performance is further improving this year with the Ship Berth-day output in April-May, 2008 is 21,158 tonnes which is substantial increase over the corresponding period last year.
A number of capacity augmentation projects are in the offing including 330M extension to berth north side of the Port at an estimated cost of Rs. 600 crore for which global bids have already been invited. The procedural work to launch the much awaited Fourth Container Terminal and Marine Chemical Terminal, at an estimated cost of Rs. 4100 crore is already on. This is likely to add the capacity of 30 million tonnes for container & 8.80 million tonnes for liquid/POL.
Out of the 32 projects identified under National Maritime Development Programmme (NMDP), four have already been completed and nine works are in progress. A consultant is being appointed for the Development of Special Economic Zone/Export Promotion Zone to provide infrastructure facilities for port-based industries.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Caterpillar Announces Manufacturing Expansion For Operations in India

 


$200 million investment to increase machinery and engine production at existing facilities and establish new operations


CHENNAI, India—As part of its strategic plan to increase its manufacturing footprint in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region, Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today announced a four-year, $200 million investment to increase manufacturing capacity in India. The announcement to increase engine and machinery production in India was made during a visit to Caterpillar's India facilities by Caterpillar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Owens.


"Caterpillar machines and engines are being used by our customers in India to drive sustainable development and to support economic growth in the areas of infrastructure development, commercial and residential construction, mining, power generation and energy production," Owens said. "We are pleased to continue contributing to the growth and development of India. This additional investment demonstrates Caterpillar's commitment to customers in India and the importance of such emerging markets as we build our proven global business model across the Asia-Pacific region, an area that is critical to Caterpillar's 2010 and Vision 2020 goals."


Caterpillar will invest to significantly increase production for off highway trucks made at its facility near Chennai. Those Caterpillar trucks are used for coal and other mining applications in India. The company also plans to expand engine production at its facility in Hosur, adding production of the Caterpillar 3508 engine. The 3508 engines will be used primarily in off highway trucks produced by Caterpillar in India. The company is also investing in increased India production capability for backhoe loaders. The backhoe loader is the most widely used construction machine in India, and Caterpillar has already more than quadrupled production of backhoe loaders in country in recent years. The company is also studying increasing its range of products made in India, with the possibility of building additional manufacturing facilities to meet demand for other earth-moving products.


"This increased capacity will help Caterpillar serve customers in India and Asia-Pacific with world-class machines and engines produced in the region and serviced by our unmatched dealer organization," said Tom Bluth, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for Asia-Pacific manufacturing operations. "For the industries we serve, Caterpillar already has the widest base of operations and product support in the world, and we will continue to invest in our business in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region to meet the needs of our expanding customer base in these critical markets."


Caterpillar currently manufactures off highway trucks, backhoe loaders, engines, engine components and generator sets in India. In addition, Caterpillar established an Engineering Design Center in Chennai in 2002 to provide engineering support for product design and development. Caterpillar Logistics Services India Private Ltd. in Bangalore develops logistics technologies and provides logistics services for Caterpillar in India. Together, Caterpillar and its dealers in India have nearly 4,500 employees. Due to the investment in operations and anticipated increases in its business to support a growing base of customers, Caterpillar plans to significantly increase employment in India over the next several years.




About Caterpillar


For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2007 sales and revenues of $44.958 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at www.cat.com.



COAL SUMMIT 2008

Coal Summit 2008
“A reliable and Competitive source of Energy”
5th September 2008, The Taj Palace, New Delhi

Confirmed Dignitary

Shri Santosh Bagrodia, Hon’ble Minister of State for Coal, Government of India

Invited Dignitaries

Shri Sushilkumar Shinde, Hon’ble Union Minister of Power, Government of India
Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State for Steel, Government of India
Dr Raman Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chattisgarh
Mr H C Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India
Mr Anil Razdan, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India
Mr R S Pandey, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Government of India
Mr A P V N Sarma, Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India

Invited Speakers (Partial List)

Mr Partha S Bhattacharyya, Co Chairman, India Coal Summit 2008, Chairman and Managing Director, Coal India Ltd
Mr S P Seth, Addditional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India
Shri K S Kropha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India
Mr S Banerjee, Managing Director, CESC Limited
Mr Chandan Roy, Director (Operations), NTPC Limited
Mr S K Roongta, Chairman & Managing Director, Steel Authority of India Ltd
Mr Brian E Davis, General Manager Marketing & Logistics,Peabody Energy, Brisbane, Australia
Mr Ross Tromans, General Manager Marketing, Rio Tinto
Mr Gareth Griffith, Anglo Coal, London
Mr David John, Vice President Marketing, BHP Billiton Singapore
Mr T Sankaralingam, Chairman and Managing Director, National Thermal Power Corporation









Background:

In 21st century, the world faces serious energy-related threat of not having adequate and secure supplies of energy at affordable prices and India is no exception.
Coal is now the world’s fastest-growing fuel In fact, coal has a strong record of positive contribution not only to the world’s energy requirement but also to that of India’s as well. Coal provides 28% of all primary energy and 40% of the world’s electricity. It is also a direct input into 66% of global steel production. As an affordable and accessible fuel, it would be hard to overstate the importance of coal to raising many developing countries.

The development of the Indian economy is leading to a boom in coal imports as India fights to secure energy for its future. Major consumers of coal from sectors like Power and Steel are looking to new markets for supply, whilst Australia, Indonesia and South Africa are taking on increasing importance. New sources of coal supplies are being sought as Indian coal consumers push to acquire overseas mining rights, as well as seeking allocations of new domestic coal blocks for development under newly liberalized licensing proposals.

The projected figures of additional power generation 80000 MW of power by 2012 and 300 Mt of Steel by 2020 would be difficult to make realistic in spite of all genuine efforts from industry incase the adequate and secure supplies of coal is not ensured.
Coal fuels the nation, and will continue to be a driver of economic and social development. With so much at stake, there has never been a better time get together and develop a blueprint for the future of this massive industry in India. The initiative would an excellent opportunity for the industry to look at the past, and plan for the years ahead. It will deliver real outcomes and real takeaways and drive home the prosperity of India’s coal sector.
With this backdrop Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) In association with the Ministry of Coal, Government of India is organizing India Coal Summit 2008 at The Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi on 5th September 2008.

Summit Focus

Indian Coal Industry - Challenges Ahead: Coal Demand & Supply
Privatization of Coal Blocks through Competitive bidding
Thermal Coal demand for Indian Power Sector
Coking Coal Demand for Indian Steel Sector
Trends in World Coal Markets
Dynamics of Global Coal Market
Price Volatility and freight Scenario in global coal markets
Assessment of current coal imports in India and Potential opportunities
Impact on Indian Markets of coking coal production, Consumption and pricing trends
Indian Steel Industry and Expected Growth and Development

Coal Supply and the economics of Power Industry


Why Attend
An summit dedicated to addressing the compelling concerns of the sector
Hear & learn first hand information from senior government officials and leading industry experts
Be updated with a comprehensive coverage of latest trends of the Coal and Coke Sector and benefit from intriguing panel discussions
Capitalize on unrivalled new business opportunities in the Coal and Coke Sector.
A unique platform for extensive networking with industry associates and meeting new prospects
Who should attend?
The summit is a must for all players in the Minerals, Mining and Coal sector, players that are seriously looking for various business opportunities available in India. The participants will certainly benefit and enrich themselves from the high-quality information sharing and networking opportunities through the presence of key decision makers from the central government and corporate sectors in India.

Government Authorities and departments
Trade Organisations, Stock Exchanges
Foreign Embassies, Embassies and Consulates Overseas
Coal and Mining Processing Plant
Raw Materials Suppliers: Iron Ore Mines, Coke Plant, Coal
Steel Manufacturing Plants
Mineral Producers: Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Associations: Steel, Mining, Metals,
Trade and Professionals
        Equipment Suppliers: Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers
        Financial Firms: Commercial and Investment Banks
         Engineering: Technology and Engineering Vendors
         Transporters: Shipping and Ports, Terminals and Stevedoring, Freight Forwards
         Consultants
         Contractors
         Government Center/ State
         Insurance Companies
         Coal Traders: Importers, Exporters
         Institutions: Research Institutions, Development Institutions
         Education: Universities, Colleagues and Schools
         Media and Press: Journals, Magazines, Newsletters, Books, Online Services,
Portals, Publications, TV, Radio
         End-User Consumers of: Coal, Iron Ore, Steel, Coke

The summit is expected to be attended by more than 250 National and International participants









Participation Options

As Sponsor

Event Partrner – Rs 1000000

Principal Sponsor – Rs 700000

Co Sponsor – Rs 500000
Why Sponsor
The India Coal Summit 2008 is an unrivalled and cost-effective sales and marketing solution that works throughout the year, providing you with new contacts and great exposure, culminating in an event which will bring you face-to-face with your key customers and prospects.
Sponsorship will provide you with:
An unparalleled platform to network and do business with industry colleagues
The ability to capture new prospects whilst enhancing your corporate profile to existing clients
The opportunity to increase your brand recognition in the region with a decision-making audience
Advertisement in Background Note to be released at the Inaugural of the Conference

The Background note will include a broad idea about the India Coal & Coke sector as a whole. It would also mention about the current trends and the future requirements of the industry to meet the vast demand in the sector. It would be circulated to all the relevant ministries both at the Central and State level besides covering the relevant players of the industry.

Particulars Amount (In Rs)

Back Cover 50000/-
Front Inside 40000/-
Back Cover Inside 30000/-
Inside Colour Page 20000/-
Inside B/W page 15000/-


Delegate Fee

ICC Member INR 2500/ delegate
Non-member INR 3000/ delegate
Overseas Participant US$ 100

10% Discount on three or more participants from the same organisation

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

and here are the snaps





the rat holes of bihar

Here's a pictoral take on the rat holes of bihar - the dreaded burrows dug by poverty and wanton exploitation, forcing men into the womb of nature to extract buckets of coal. These illegal mining operations are run by the well entrenched coal mafia as the powers that be look the other way (their palms well greased, points out a wag) !!
There is no available data which can pin point the amount of pillage that has or is taking place. All we know is that the operation is extensive and the entire coal belt is affected. Only when the flood waters wash away the hapless, or when the fires rage on uncontrolled, or when the ground caves in do we have a few lines in the vernacular press.
That too for a day, before all gets literlly quiet on the western front. Take a look at the pics. Some were taken despite the threats from you- know-who. Fore here is a disaster just waiting to happen.