India seeks more coal blocks from Mozambique

MAPUTO(Commodity Online): India has urged Mozambique to consider allocation of more coal blocks to Indian companies besides expediting formalities for making operational two blocks, already allocated to Coal India Ltd.

The Minister of State of Coal, Jaiswal on two -days tour to Mozambique, with a delegation of Coal Ministry’s officials including the Chairman of Coal India Ltd. had wide ranging discussion with the Minister of Mineral Resources of Government of Mozambique, Esperanca Bias to increase cooperation in the area of coal mining.

Ms. Esperanca Bias said that Mozambique would like to take advantage of India’s expertise in coal mining and assured that her Government would consider India’s request for allocation of more coal blocks to Coal India Ltd.

Both the countries agreed to have the meeting of working group on coal in April, 2011 to discuss scope and modalities of bilateral cooperation further.

Coal India Ltd already has two coal blocks allocated in Mozambique which will be made operational shortly. Road linkages to the nearest port for the shipment of coal and other infrastructural requirements were also discussed during the meeting.

Mozambique Government assured all assistance to complete necessary formalities and infrastructural support for making both the blocks operational as early as possible.

Jaisawal said that that India has decided to set up two institutes for planning and manpower training in the area of mining in Mozambique with an investment of Rs 88 crore.

Modalities for setting of these institutes including land allocation were discussed. Indian minister also offered training of Mozambican personnel at mining institutes in India.