Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), the Queensland, Australia Government’s global business agency led a high-powered delegation of ten Queensland mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) companies to the International Mining, Equipment, Minerals & Metals Exhibition (IME) 2025 in Kolkata. The initiative underscores Queensland’s commitment to deepening trade and technology partnerships with India’s rapidly evolving mining and resources industry.
Queensland and India share a long-standing relationship built on conventional resources, critical minerals, and advanced mining technology collaboration. Under India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), a free trade agreement that came into effect in December 2022, bilateral ties have grown steadily, with Queensland’s exports to India reaching AUD 14.4 billion in 2024. India continues to rely on Queensland’s coking coal for its steel production, while new opportunities are emerging across critical minerals, green technologies, and value-chain development.
Through its participation in IME 2025, TIQ is helping Queensland companies showcase world-class innovation and forge lasting partnerships with Indian mining enterprises, particularly those operating in West Bengal and the eastern mineral corridor. The represented companies span solutions across automation, safety, traceability, and sustainability – areas critical to India’s future-ready mining transformation.
Abhinav Bhatia, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Trade and Investment Queensland said, “Trade and Investment Queensland is proud to support ten innovative Queensland METS companies at IME 2025. Queensland companies see immense opportunity in India’s fast-evolving mining and resources landscape. With India accelerating its push for cleaner, more efficient, and technology-led mining, Queensland’s METS sector is uniquely positioned to contribute its world-class innovation and expertise. Our presence at IME 2025 reflects TIQ’s ongoing commitment to connect Queensland innovation with India’s industrial growth, fostering collaboration, sustainability, and shared prosperity.”
TIQ’s engagement also aligns with Australia’s broader effort to collaborate with India on critical minerals, including vanadium, graphite, silica, tungsten, cobalt, and rare earth elements that are vital inputs for renewable energy and electric mobility.
Kolkata, as the gateway to India’s eastern mining ecosystem, continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Queensland–India relations. IME 2025 serves as an ideal platform for Queensland companies to engage directly with Indian stakeholders, explore investment opportunities, and contribute to India’s push toward sustainable and efficient mining practices.