India-Canada discuss cooperation in mining field

New Delhi, Jan 11 (UNI) Canada will expedite the supply of helicopters with modern state-of-air-borne technology to the Geological Survey of India for exploration of mineral wealth of the country.

The assurance came during an interaction between Minister of of State for Mines T Subbarami Reddy and a Canadian delegation headed by Ms Sandra Pupatellgo, Minister of Economic Development and Trade which called on him here today.

Official sources said that Dr Reddy requested Canadian Government for transfer of technology for exploration and mining of gold and diamonds to which the delegation responded favourably. He told them that India was committed to achieving self-sufficiency in exploration and mining of gold and diamonds, which accounts for an annual import bill of Rs 1.4 lakh crores.

Canada is known for its rich mineral resources of nickel, coal, copper, iron ore and gold. Canadian minieral metal Industry is contributing 3.7per cent of its GDP by employing over 6 per cent of its work force.

The minerals and metals constitute 17 per cent of total Canada's export.

Sources said the Minister also urged the delegation for training of Indian geo-scientists in Canada and deputing a team of Canadian experts of mining technology to train Indians employed in mining.

UNI KAS PDT AS2127