He cited the example of Queensland-based Simtars, a world-leading industrial health, safety research and training organisation, which recently accredited 20 in-house safety training staff for Coal India after a comprehensive two-year training program.
“This was a three-stage program run over two years to establish trainers who could provide long-term education on the fundamentals of risk management for Coal India employees,” Newman said.
“They will now train countless other staff, helping to enhance workplace safety in mines and industrial sites throughout India by adopting Queensland’s rigorous safety standards.”
Speaking from India’s mining hub, Kolkata, Newman said the state’s mining industry had developed technologies and services that had placed Queensland on India’s radar.
“Queensland is recognised as a global mining centre of excellence,” he said.
“Our mining equipment and services companies have developed their products on Queensland soil and have taken them to the world with great results.”
Newman also acknowledged mining consultants Salva Resources’ success in India.
“Based in India and Queensland, Salva is not only celebrating its five-year anniversary but has recently opened another office in Kolkata to meet growing demand,” he said.
“Salva Resources’ local operations grew by 140 per cent to $13.6 million in 2011, with the business last year being recognised as the ninth fastest growing company in Australia.
“This is what this mission is about: finding opportunities for Queensland companies to follow in companies like Salva Resources’ considerable footsteps.”
Newman is leading a group of 76 Queensland business leaders on a trade mission to India, promoting Queensland’s resources, agriculture, tourism, construction and education industries.
The Kolkata leg of the mission marks the end of the premier’s trip and the launch of the Queensland delegation for the International Mining and Machinery Exhibition.