Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML Limited, highlights the company’s strategic initiatives and innovative product offerings, which aim to solidify its role in the global mining and defence markets.

What key strategies is BEML implementing to strengthen its presence in the international mining and defence markets?
We have actively participated at the Land Forces 2024 global expo in Melbourne, where we showcased our advanced engineering capabilities and continued to solidify our presence in international markets. Our participation in this prestigious event aligns with our long-term strategy of becoming a global leader in the mining and defence sectors. Australia, with its thriving mining industry and significant defence budgets, offers tremendous opportunities for growth, and our involvement in the region is a strategic step toward capitalising on these prospects.

At the Land Forces expo, we presented a range of our flagship products reflecting innovation and reliability. These include Sarvatra Bridging Systems, Heavy Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Transportation & Radar Systems, Arjun Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicles (ARRVs), Ground Handling Equipment (GHE), Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for Aerospace, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and emerging capabilities in maritime engineering. This product lineup highlights the breadth of BEML’s expertise in defence and industrial applications, underscoring our commitment to providing durable, cutting-edge solutions that meet global demands.

On the mining front, our diverse portfolio includes equipment such as excavators, dump trucks, and loaders—renowned for their superior durability and advanced technology. In addition, our defence solutions, including artillery systems, missile launchers, and armoured vehicles, have further cemented our reputation as a key player in both sectors.

Globally, the demand for mining and construction equipment continues to rise, driven by several factors, including government initiatives to boost indigenous manufacturing, increase production targets, and a positive outlook for the construction sector. The government’s push to produce advanced mining machinery locally in India and the ambitious goal of achieving 1.5 billion tonnes of coal production by 2028 have fueled demand for high-quality, ‘Made in India’ heavy equipment.

We have crafted a comprehensive strategy to capture a significant share of domestic and international markets in response to this growing demand. Our R&D team is at the forefront of these efforts, working on the design and development of cutting-edge projects. These include an all-electric 21 CuM Rope Shovel, higher-capacity Motor Graders, and Tyre Handlers, all aimed at meeting the needs of global mining operations. Additionally, we are upgrading our engines to meet the latest stringent emission standards, ensuring our products perform at the highest level and comply with evolving environmental regulations. Through these advancements, BEML is well-positioned to capture new opportunities in the global marketplace, delivering world-class solutions that drive performance and sustainability across the mining and defence sectors.

How is your company adapting to the increasing demand for higher-capacity mining equipment in terms of product development and innovation?
There is a noticeable surge in demand for cutting-edge, higher-capacity mining equipment. This trend drives targeted production, enhancing productivity and safety and paving the way for more efficient operations. We are indigenously designing and manufacturing advanced mining equipment tailored to meet these market demands. Our latest offerings exemplify this commitment, featuring the BH205E Electric Dump Truck, a powerhouse with a remarkable payload of 186 MT (205 tons), and the BH150E Electric Dump Truck, which effortlessly transports 136 MT (150 tons). Additionally, we present the BE1800D Hydraulic Excavator, engineered for excellence in the 180-ton class, ensuring maximum efficiency. Our eco-friendly BE1800E Electric Hydraulic Excavator also appears, combining power with environmental responsibility. At the same time, the BRS21 Electric Rope Shovel, with its impressive bucket capacity of 21 m³, sets new standards for operational capacity.

We are actively developing and manufacturing higher-capacity Motor Graders, Tyre Handlers, and Wheel Dozers, all crafted to tackle the challenges of modern mining. Our comprehensive portfolio also includes a variety of high-performance machinery, such as Rear Dump Trucks, Crawler Dozers, Wheel Dozers, Hydraulic Excavators, Electric Hydraulic Excavators, Motor Graders, Wheel Loaders, Water Sprinklers, Tyre Handlers, and Pipe Layers, all designed to meet the evolving needs of the mining industry.

What do the recent orders from NCL and ECL signify for your position in the mining equipment market?
We recently secured an important order from Northern Coal Fields Limited (NCL) for the supply of 28 units of BH100 Rear Dump Trucks, valued at Rs 250 Crores. These state-of-the-art trucks are engineered to handle payloads of up to 100 tonnes and are specifically designed for efficient overburden and coal transport in mining operations. This order signifies a crucial milestone in our ongoing partnership with NCL and highlights the trust and confidence placed in BEML’s heavy-duty mining equipment.

In addition, we have also won a substantial order from Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) for the BH100 Rear Dumper, valued at ₹ 72.71 Crores. The BH100, celebrated for its robust design and exceptional performance, is vital in transporting overburden and coal from the mines to the dumping yard at the Sonepur Bazari Open Cast Project. This order reinforces BEML’s commitment to delivering high-quality solutions that cater to the specific needs of the mining industry. The BH100 Rear Dumper stands out for its unparalleled capabilities, capable of carrying a payload of 100 US tons. Tailored for open-cast mining operations, this rear dumper is poised to revolutionise overburden transportation across coal and other mining sectors. With these recent orders, BEML continues solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the mining equipment landscape.

We have inaugurated the handing over of the BRS21—India’s first indigenously manufactured electric rope shovel model—at BEML’s Earth Moving Manufacturing Division in Kolar Gold Fields (KGF). This innovative 21 m³ rope shovel has been developed entirely in-house by BEML under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, underscoring the nation’s dedication to self-reliance. This initiative enhances national capabilities in this product category and plays a vital role in conserving foreign exchange expenditures.

How are you incorporating eco-friendly technologies in your mining machinery, particularly in fuel efficiency and emissions control areas?
We are dedicated to sustainability and innovation, reflected in our indigenously manufactured Electric Hydraulic Excavators, the BE1000E-1 (100 Ton Class) and BE1800E (180 Ton Class). Our latest addition, the Electric Rope Shovel with a 21 Cu.M Bucket, is also driven by electric motors, showcasing our commitment to environmentally friendly practices that significantly reduce carbon footprints.

Our construction equipment lineup, including Wheel Loaders and Motor Graders, has engines that comply with BSIV emission norms, ensuring efficient performance while prioritising air quality.

We are also dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency across all operations. Remarkably, approximately 95 percent of our energy needs are met through Wind and Solar Power Plants, positioning us as a leading ‘Green Company’. Together, we are not just building machines; we are building a sustainable future.

This ambitious journey aligns seamlessly with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Our mining and construction equipment is thoughtfully designed, developed, and manufactured, keeping in mind the latest technologies, market trends, safety standards, customer requirements, and the unique conditions of local sites.

What advancements have been made in your construction equipment range to cater to the increasing demand for smart and automated machinery on job sites?
We are revolutionising construction equipment with cutting-edge smart features that enhance performance and safety. Our machines now have comprehensive machine utilisation reports, shift-wise work reports, GPS tracking, geo-fencing, and detailed fuel consumption analytics. Additionally, we prioritise security with features like fuel monitoring, theft protection, a panic button, and a tamper switch.

Our equipment includes service scheduling and planned service reminders to streamline maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and reduced downtime.

We are also excited to announce that we are actively developing advanced AI and Machine Learning capabilities. Upcoming features include an operator fatigue monitoring system, a 360-degree AI-based proximity device for obstacle detection, and automatic brake applications. These innovations are set to enhance the safety and efficiency of our construction equipment, and a market rollout is expected soon. Together, we are paving the way for a smarter, safer, and more efficient future in construction.

For more information, visit: https://www.bemlindia.in/