Mineral Technologies is supporting India's efforts to build a strong domestic critical minerals and mineral sands industry. The company's Australian-designed mineral-processing equipment improves mineral recovery. It also reduces energy and water consumption in mineral sands processing.
The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) has been a major enabler of growth. With tariffs reduced to zero, the Australian company is building a strategic commercial lead in India.
'The zero tariff is a big advantage,' says Vasim Pradhan, Director for Sales and Operations, Mineral Technologies (Asia). 'Austrade is also a key advantage. We are in constant collaboration. Today Austrade is helping us explore markets right across Asia.'
Home-grown mining technology
Mineral Technologies traces its origins to the 1940s. This is when early mineral sands operations in Australia began using gravity spiral technology to separate valuable heavy minerals from beach sands.
These early developments laid the foundation for Mineral Technologies. Today, the company designs, makes and exports a range of mining equipment. Apart from its trademark spirals, it supplies a range of processing equipment including magnetic and electrostatic separation technologies.
'We are a complete fine minerals solutions provider,' says Pradhan. 'Our equipment helps customers recover minerals, and at the same time reduce energy and water consumption.'
India: a hub for operations in Asia
Mineral Technologies began exporting to India in 1990.
'We saw good deposits of mineral sands and that was our opportunity,' says Pradhan. 'The Government of India was looking for technologies to help separate minerals from sands, and we responded.
'Over time, we began working with ore bodies in India. Now we deliver end-to-end mineral processing solutions to both government and private-sector customers in India. This includes the supply of advanced equipment and technology from Australia.'
Mineral Technologies has an established presence in India. Regional operations are headquartered in Kerala, and the company supports customers across Asia - from Türkiye and Kazakhstan to Indonesia.
'Our activities in India support local employment, technology transfer and the development of advanced mineral processing capabilities,' says Pradhan. 'We work closely with both government and private-sector customers to improve efficiency and sustainability in mineral sands operations.'
Mineral Technologies' spiral separators improve the efficiency of mineral sands processing, as well as reduce energy and water use.
Landmark minerals projects in India
Mineral Technologies' first major project in India was in 2007, when the company worked with IREL (India) Limited on the Chavara wet separation plant in Kerala. The company partnered with a contractor to deliver the project and supply most of the key mineral-processing equipment for the operation.
Mineral Technologies also supported Trimex Sands Pvt Ltd to develop what was then one of India's largest mineral sands processing plants, at Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh. The company provided process design expertise and core mineral-processing equipment.
In 2020, Mineral Technologies was again selected by IREL (India) Limited to supply major separation equipment for the OSCOM mineral sands complex in Odisha. This reinforced the company's long-standing relationship with India's leading mineral sands producer.
Mineral Technologies is also a preferred technology and equipment supplier to the silica sand and iron ore industries in India. Customers include leading glass manufacturers such as Saint-Gobain, Asahi Glass and Gold Plus Group.
Trade agreement boosts exports
The landmark AI-ECTA deal gives Mineral Technologies a strong competitive advantage in India.
'Before the trade agreement, we used to pay approximately 8%-11% tariff rates when we imported equipment from Australia,' says Pradhan 'Now it's zero per cent. We pass the reduction straight to our customers.
'The trade agreement gives us a strategic advantage in India. It helps us build a strong commercial position.'
Austrade assistance
Austrade's business development directors have helped the company throughout its expansion.
'The Austrade business development director in India has played a vital role,' says Pradhan. 'He has arranged strategic introductions and provided valuable insights. The Austrade team has helped us navigate complex markets in India and across Asia.
'Austrade also helps with tailored business programs, which save time and effort. They step up and help us every time. Austrade has been a trusted partner in our growth journey across India and Asia.'
Pradhan says Austrade is particularly helpful in terms of building links with the decision-makers in the Indian mining industry.
'Austrade hosts the Australian pavilion at the principal mining exhibition in Kolkata each year,' he says. 'This is a great platform for showcasing Mineral Technologies. Austrade also engages with organisations in Australia like Austmine. This has helped us find new commercial opportunities.'
Austmine is a member of the Trade Diversification Network, a network of 40 national peak industry bodies working with government to support exporters to diversify and grow their exports.
Future expansion in critical minerals
With an in-market advantage, Mineral Technologies looks set to benefit from rapid growth in critical minerals in India.
'Our technology means we can increase efficiency and reduce waste for our customers,' says Pradhan. 'Our new mtOne™ digital solution is a breakthrough in real-time spiral optimisation. It provides continuous visibility of spiral performance and uses advanced analytics to improve mineral recovery.
'Operators can optimise plant performance using AI-based insights. This turns a passive spiral activity into an intelligent, self-learning system.'
The company may also increase investment in India.
'Mineral Technologies is exploring plans to establish an advanced process laboratory in India,' adds Pradhan. 'India serves as a key operational hub for Mineral Technologies' activities across Asia. The proposed laboratory would execute feasibility test analysis for the region.'
