SRK established its Kolkata, India, presence in 2006. Since then, the office has expanded in response to client needs and an ever-growing client base. SRK India provides a range of services from auditing and competent-person reporting to exploration project advisory, drill program design, and sampling protocol implementation.
While domestic Indian companies are now investing in various mining geographies across the globe, private investments within the Indian mining sector have also gradually increased. These companies and investors look to SRK India to evaluate and audit early-to-advanced stage exploration projects, develop and manage exploration programs, and prepare independent technical reports for potential funding.
The first step to any geological study is geological mapping. Successful geological mapping includes geospatial documentation, subsurface projection of geological surface features, and accurate identification of geological features and rock types. SRK India has undertaken multiple mapping programs. Some of these have revealed unidentified mineralised bodies, including an iron ore mine in India and a 1000-square kilometer coal project in Zambia.
In 2010, SRK India consulted on an Indian gold project, which involved a data review and field visit, as well as resource potential assessments and exploration planning. As a result of that work, the client further retained SRK India for a scoping study, in which additional field and laboratory test work was recommended so the client could undertake a feasibility study.
SRK India has also provided client training, developed field protocols based on international best practices, and helped design exploration databases. For example, Aryan commissioned SRK India to assist with its exploration program for their Narayanposhi iron ore project and Trimex for their Beach Sand project. In both cases, SRK India provided support to ensure the integrity and reliability of the exploration databases were achieved. Eventually, both companies produced mineral resource reports following JORC code.
Another project also highlights SRK India’s growth and success since 2006. When Coal India Limited launched its IPO in 2010, the company appointed SRK India to benchmark its exploration protocols and resource estimation practices according to international best practices. Coal India used this work to report its resources and reserves, which were compliant with the JORC code.
