The Kolkata-based Simplex Infrastructures has put on hold its intentions to enter standalone mining projects and instead is foraying into thermal power production through a joint venture. It is pinning its hopes on bagging a 1,000 MW thermal power project on a BOT basis in Chhattisgarh. The company has already identified a technical partner for the purpose and the entry would be through a special purpose vehicle. “This will pave the way for us to enter coal mining, as mining by itself is a capital-intensive proposition,” said Mr N.K. Kakani, Executive Director, Simplex Infrastructures Ltd, here on Monday. Simplex has an MoU with Thailand-based Banpu Public Company for contract mining in India. Banpu is the largest coal producer and distributor in Thailand. With a combined production capacity of 3.3 million tonnes per annum, Banpu produces sub-bituminous and lignite coal which is suitable for use as a base load fuel for domestic cement producers and utility generators.
Source: The Business Hindu Line
16th January, 2008