Australia is leading its first-ever First Nations Business Mission to India, marking a landmark step in strengthening trade and investment ties between Indigenous Australian enterprises and India’s rapidly expanding mining and renewable energy sectors.
A delegation of eight First Nations-owned Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) companies has arrived in India and will travel across Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata from 26 October to 3 November, forging partnerships and showcasing cutting-edge innovation.
This mission underscores the enduring legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s original diplomats, traders and knowledge holders for more than 65,000 years.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, said the mission aligns with national efforts to boost First Nations trade globally. ““India offers enormous opportunity for Australian First Nations industries, whether it’s exporting agrifood and native botanicals, art and design, or developing cyber, clean energy or mining solutions.”
“We are proud to support this mission, connecting First Nations excellence to the extraordinary Indian businesses driving growth in one of the world’s largest economies,” he said.
Led by the Perth USAsia Centre and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCIWA), with support from the Australian Government, the delegation represents pioneering expertise ranging from electrifying diesel mining vehicles to advanced engineering, industrial gas, safety solutions and sustainable manufacturing.
Perth USAsia Centre Research Director Dr Kate O’Shaughnessy said First Nations businesses must be at the forefront of the Australia–India relationship.
“India is set to be the world’s third-biggest economy by the end of this decade. There is huge opportunity stemming from that growth.”
The visit coincides with India’s drive to modernise industrial capabilities, including a recently announced A$11 billion plan to upgrade 1,000 public sector Industrial Training Institutes.
The delegation will take part in India’s largest mining conference, the International Mining, Equipment and Minerals Exhibition in Kolkata, to strengthen business links with local industry and government.
CCIWA’s Head of International Trade Michael Carter said the timing could not be better.
“India’s mining industry is turbo-charging its economy – now is the time for Western Australia’s world-class mining and services sector to get involved.”
CEO of the Indigenous Emerging Business Forum John O’Driscoll added the mission gives First Nations companies a global platform.
“This is a unique opportunity to showcase their excellence to the world and grow into export markets.”
The mission is fully funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, supporting an inclusive trade agenda that delivers economic benefits for First Nations communities.
The delegation features eight innovative Western Australian First Nations-owned businesses at the forefront of mining technology and services. Electric Power Conversions Australia (EPCA) leads in retrofitting diesel mining vehicles to full electric power, supporting global decarbonisation goals. Woollhara Group manufactures sustainable cleaning solutions for the mining sector, including its Fuel Kleen chemical that enhances fuel efficiency.
Carey Mining Group, the largest 100% First Nations-owned mining services company in WA, brings extensive labour and plant hire capability. Bunbara, a majority Indigenous and female-owned firm, delivers specialised engineering services. Safespear provides advanced safety equipment and testing solutions critical to mine operations. Reels Manufacturing Group supplies conveyor products and systems that support bulk material handling across mine sites.
Moombaki Indigenous Technical Supply and Services, also majority Indigenous and female led, offers a range of technical services and equipment to support efficient extraction processes. Rounding out the group, The Cryogenics Group — a 100% First Nations-owned and female led business — supplies vital industrial gas and cryogenic solutions. Together, these businesses represent the cutting edge of Australia’s First Nations ingenuity, showcasing excellence and export-ready capability to one of the world’s fastest-growing mining markets.
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