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Signing of a strategic Letter of Intent between Polish companies and the Silesian Fund – A new stage of cooperation with India
During the second day of the EXPO Katowice 2024 trade fair, a key event took place: the signing of a letter of intent between major Polish mining companies and the Silesian Fund. This agreement aims to establish the Polish Engineering and Production Consortium, which will coordinate efforts to develop and modernize the mining sector in Poland and expand into the Indian market. This partnership involves close cooperation between Polish and Indian companies, as well as the engagement of local and government institutions from both countries.
Key players in the consortium and their impact on future actions
The consortium consists of Polish companies with a wide range of competencies:
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PATENTUS S.A. – Leader of HINTECH: Patentus, as the leader of the Hintech consortium, will play a crucial role not only in providing mining equipment but also in integrating advanced automation and mechanization technologies to support the modernization of India's mining industry. Hintech brings broad competencies, including innovative technological solutions for mining and heavy industry.
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WĘGLOKOKS S.A.: A specialist in coal exports and international logistics. As an experienced player in the global supply chain, Węglokoks can assist in delivering Polish technologies to India, where the demand for coal is immense.
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Central Mining Institute (Główny Instytut Górnictwa): This institute contributes its expertise in technological innovations and mine safety, which can aid in modernizing the Indian mining industry.
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Polska Grupa Górnicza (PGG): The largest mining company in Europe, PGG brings experience in managing large mining complexes and optimizing production processes, which can help Indian mines achieve their extraction goals.
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KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology: A leading R&D unit focused on scientific research and the implementation of modern technological solutions for multiple industries, including mining. KOMAG’s innovations can significantly enhance efficiency in Indian mines.
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FASING Group: A leading producer of industrial chains, which are a key component in modernizing transportation systems and machinery in mines.
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Towarzystwo Finansowe Silesia Sp. z o.o.: Their experience in managing investments and development projects will be crucial in securing financing and executing major modernization projects. TFS can also provide financial and investment advice, essential for international mining projects.
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Górnicza Izba Przemysłowo-Handlowa (GIPH): GIPH plays a key role in promoting the Polish mining industry in international markets. Their efforts will be essential in building and maintaining business relationships with Indian partners and promoting technology abroad.
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MARTECH GROUP: Contributes its expertise in the production and servicing of transformer stations and lighting systems for the mining industry. With long-term partnerships with mines and industrial facilities, the company can provide advanced energy solutions critical for the modernization of Indian mines.
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Asten Group Sp. z o.o.: Supports the consortium by designing and implementing modern engineering solutions that will contribute to the automation and increased efficiency of industrial processes, essential for the development of extraction technologies.
Participation of Indian partners
The signing ceremony also saw the presence of key representatives from the Indian industry and government. Among them was Vivek Bhatia, Managing Director of TKIL (formerly Thyssenkrupp Industries India), who emphasized the immense opportunities that Poland offers for the mining industry. "Over the last two days, I have been deeply impressed by the possibilities that exist in Poland for the mining sector," Bhatia remarked during the ceremony.
Another key participant in the ceremony was Joydeep Roy, representative of the Honorary Consulate of Poland in Kolkata, who highlighted the growing economic potential between Poland and India. Roy noted that the current trade turnover between the two countries stands at around 6 billion dollars, but in his view, this figure should reach at least 25 billion dollars. "You have everything: advanced technologies and experience. We need to increase the pace of our business relations," said Roy.
Mohan Lal, Commercial Counselor at the Embassy of India in Warsaw, was another significant voice in the discussion. He emphasized the long-standing tradition of cooperation between Poland and India, spanning 70 years. During the recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Poland, the first in 45 years, both sides agreed to elevate their collaboration to a new level. Lal stressed that India offers excellent conditions for business development, including tax incentives, and access to a market of over one billion consumers, more than half of whom are young, working-age individuals. He assured that India will provide all the necessary support to facilitate further cooperation between businesses from both countries.
Indian Partners
At the invitation of PATENTUS S.A., several leading Indian companies from the heavy industry and mining sectors participated in the ceremony, including:
- TKIL (formerly Thyssenkrupp India Industries Ltd.)
- Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
- BTL EPC Ltd - Engineering
- Shrachi Group
- Maha Hydraulics Private Limited
- SKSL Group
- Yash Enterprises
The presence of these Indian companies reflects a strong interest in working together towards the modernization of the mining sector in India, creating synergies between Polish and Indian firms.
The role of the Upper Silesian Fund and the Ministry of Industry
The coordination of consortium activities is entrusted to the Upper Silesian Fund, which will provide strategic and organizational support. The Fund will be responsible for managing the cooperation between companies and offering financial and advisory assistance. As noted by Bartłomiej Babuśka, president of the Upper Silesian Fund, the formation of this consortium is the result of years of efforts aimed at strengthening business relations with India.
Key support will also be provided by the Ministry of Industry, which has committed to promoting Polish technologies abroad and facilitating the legal and financial frameworks necessary for the faster implementation of Polish solutions in the Indian market. We extend our sincere thanks to Kinga Okrzesik-Faruga and Urszula Koszutska for their invaluable representation of the ministry during this significant event.
The signing of the letter of intent between Polish companies and the Upper Silesian Fund marks a significant step toward strengthening economic ties with India. The Polish Consortium, coordinated by the Upper Silesian Fund and supported by the Ministry of Industry, has the potential to become a leading provider of advanced mining technologies in India. This initiative not only bolsters Poland's technological capabilities but also opens up new opportunities for international collaboration in the rapidly growing Indian market.