September 07, 2008

Ludowici to form JV with Somani to enter Indian market

ET reported that Australian equipment company Ludowici Mineral Processing Equipment is planning to enter the Indian market through a JV with the Somani Group for providing coal handling and processing plants to the Indian mining industry.

Mr Atul Varma president of Somani Group said that “We have entered into a MoU with Ludowici for a JV arrangement for coal preparation plants under the name Somani Ludowici. The unincorporated venture would be converted into a joint company, once we start getting business.”

Ludowici will assist in analysis of coal resources, washability assessment, design, supply, installation and commission on a turn key basis, the coal preparation plants and material handling plant initially on built transfer basis. Somani Ludowici will provide a platform for marketing and promotional activities for the product and services offered by Ludowici in addition to engineering, procurement and construction support for the projects.

The JV may tap business houses with a captive coal block, having little knowledge about mining. It also plans to tap business from Coal India and NTPC.