The Ministry of Mines Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024 has earned the First Position (Gold) for excellence in display, outshining 49 other ministries and attracting over 80,000 visitors. The pavilion was a dynamic showcase of innovation, heritage, and sustainability, aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Key Highlights:
- Geological Heritage: The pavilion featured rare dinosaur fossils and eggs, offering a captivating glimpse into India’s ancient past and showcasing its geological richness.
- Contribution to Ram Mandir: The Ministry highlighted its role in supporting the construction of the Ram Mandir. Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), a CPSE, delivered high-quality copper strips and wire rods for the temple’s construction. Additionally, the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) certified the stones used in the Ram Lala statue and temple structure.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC) introduced interactive bottle and can recycling machines, rewarding participants with vouchers, thus promoting sustainability in a fun and engaging way.
- Women Empowerment: Self-Help Groups (SHGs) supported by the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) showcased their economic impact, achieving over ₹10 lakh in sales in just 14 days, highlighting their role in grassroots economic development.
Industry Leader Showcases:
- Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) demonstrated cutting-edge zinc products and a virtual underground mining operation, illustrating technological advancements in the mining sector.
- Hindalco Industries Limited shared its five-year strategy, emphasizing sustainability and innovation in mining and metals.
CPSE Contributions:
- NALCO (National Aluminium Company Limited) showcased its role in advancing India’s self-reliance in mining, contributing significantly to national development.
- MECL (Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited) presented innovative technologies for mineral exploration, reinforcing India’s mineral potential.
- HCL (Hindustan Copper Limited) highlighted its role in key national projects, including contributions to the Ram Mandir.
Visitor Engagement and VR Experience Zone: The VR experience zone attracted significant attention, allowing visitors to experience underground mining operations virtually. The interactive, game-like experience combined education and entertainment, with long queues indicating its popularity.
The pavilion was inaugurated on 14th November 2024 by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, and was later visited on 25th November 2024 by Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines. Both ministers praised the pavilion’s initiatives and emphasized the role of CPSEs and private stakeholders in driving innovation, sustainability, and empowerment in the mining sector.
Overall, the Ministry of Mines Pavilion at IITF 2024 set a benchmark for showcasing the mining sector’s contributions to a self-reliant, sustainable, and progressive India.
