Australia Awards South and West Asia

Three officials from the Government of Nepal’s Department of Mines and Geology recently travelled to Australia to gain insights into Australia’s iron industry. This knowledge-gathering visit was supported by Australia Awards as an Australian Professional Opportunity.

The three visiting Department of Mines and Geology officials were Ram Prasad Ghimire (Director General), Shobha Singh (Superintendent Geologist) and Dr Janak Bahadur Chand (Senior Divisional Geologist, and also Chief Executive Officer of Dhaubadi Iron Company Limited). The learning experience began in Tasmania on 24 October and continued in New South Wales from 28 October. As part of the visit, the participants attended the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2024 in Sydney on 29–31 October. This opportunity allowed the officials to not only learn about Australian best practices but also connect with experts in Australia’s iron ore industry. Such connections will assist in the development and expansion of Nepal’s iron industry.

The Tasmanian portion of the experience began with the Nepali officials participating in an intensive learning program that included site visits. At Grange Resources Limited, they learnt about the detailed stages of iron ore mining, the process of iron beneficiation (the process of improving iron ore quality, content and purity) and how steel is produced from iron ore. The officials then visited Savage River Mine, where they observed an operational mine and gained valuable insights into its systems. Their next stop was Port Latta, a pellet plant and port facility owned by Grange Resources, where they learnt about the production of premium-quality iron ore products.

Clockwise from top: Nepali officials (L-R) Shobha Singh, Dr Chand and Ram Prasad Ghimire at Port Latta in northwest Tasmania; a pellet plant and port facility owned by Grange Resources; observing the process of pelletising iron ore from Savage River Mine.

After leaving Tasmania, the Nepali officials continued their research trip in New South Wales, where they visited the Port Kembla Steelworks site, touring the facility and witnessuing the steel-making process. They then travelled to Sydney to attend IMARC, which connects global mining leaders with advancements in technology, finance and future innovations.

The Hon Madeleine King MP, Australia’s Minister for Resources, addressed the conference attendees on the opening day. Her remarks focused on the necessity of fostering sustainable growth, reinforcing Australia’s critical mineral supply chains and supporting the country’s path toward net-zero emissions.

Attending IMARC 2024 was an opportunity for the Nepali officials to meet face-to-face with experts and influential people from the mining industry in Australia and beyond. IMARC 2024 gathered 9,000 delegates from 115 countries for three days of intensive networking, learning and negotiating—making it Australia’s largest mining event, and a premier event for the global mining community. One of many new connections was Adjunct Professor Ian Satchwell from the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute, who joined the Nepali officials at the conference as a subject matter expert. The Nepali officials also met with representatives from the German Mineral Resources Agency and Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional dos Minerais, among others.

Nepali officials (L-R) Dr Chand, Shobha Singh and Ram Prasad Ghimire meet subject matter expert Adjunct Professor Ian Satchwell in preparation for IMARC 2024.

Of his experience of IMARC 2024, Director General Ram Prasad Ghimire says, “The conference served as a platform for mining leaders and resource experts to come together [to] exchange ideas and inspiration. The program covered the entire mining value chain and networking events, showcasing the latest technology and developments in the mining industry.” He adds, “The event highlighted efforts to accelerate the energy transition in mining, the development of mines and projects, and the ongoing digitisation of the industry. It was an excellent opportunity for attendees to network, brainstorm, share knowledge, and learn from mining leaders and resource experts from around the world.”

Through attending IMARC 2024 and the other elements of this exposure visit to Australia, the Nepali officials gained a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of the mining and steel industry. They increased and updated their knowledge of mining technology, transportation methods, mineral resource beneficiation, and the processes involved in iron and steel manufacturing. The experience also highlighted the latest technologies and innovations, environmental sustainability, safety protocols, and responsible mining practices. In addition, the officials developed insights into the cultural and social aspects of mining communities, fostering empathy and cross-cultural competence.

Nepali officials met with Rafael de Araujo, President of Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional dos Minerais (the National Minerals Authority) (third from left) and representatives of the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute at IMARC 2024.

This opportunity connected the Nepali officials with industry professionals and experts, encouraging future collaborations and partnerships between Nepal and Australia. Overall, this exposure significantly assisted the officials in gathering the knowledge necessary to develop and manage iron ore mines and the industry in Nepal.

Australian Professional Opportunities are professional development and capacity building opportunities funded by the Australian Government and offered by Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia.