Cutting-Edge Equipment and Digital Transformation Propel Coal Production and Operational Efficiency

In a bold stride towards modernising the coal mining industry, Coal India Limited (CIL) has harnessed cutting-edge technology and embarked on a comprehensive digitalisation journey. As a powerhouse in the coal sector, CIL has deployed state-of-the-art technology in its Open Cast (OC) mines, boasting high-capacity Excavators, Dumpers, and Surface Miners. Furthermore, the company’s visionary approach is evident in the implementation of digitalisation on a pilot scale across seven mega mines, with plans for widespread replication. Concurrently, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is actively pursuing ambitious targets, set to enhance coal production to 75 MT by 2023-24 from its current 67 MT level. This surge is fueled by meticulous project development and vigilant oversight, ensuring seamless progress in new ventures and the sustained success of existing projects. The coal industry is undergoing a transformation, as technology and digital innovations redefine operational paradigms and propel these companies towards a dynamic and efficient future.

No worker is retrenched from the services of Coal companies (Coal India Limited/Singareni Collieries Company Limited) on closure of coal mines. Workers are relocated / transferred to other units /establishments for their effective utilization, with providing sufficient training.

Most of the requirement of coal in the country is met through indigenous production / supply. The focus of the Government is on increasing the domestic production of coal and to eliminate non-essential import of coal in the country. In the year 2022-23, coal production increased by 14.77 percent over the previous year. During the current year till Jun, 2023, domestic coal production has increased over 8.51 percent compared to the same period of last year. The steps taken by the Government to make the country self-sufficient in the production of coal are as under Regular reviews by Ministry of Coal to expedite the development of coal blocks. Enactment of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021 for enabling captive mines owners (other than atomic minerals) to sell up to 50 percent  of their annual mineral (including coal) production in the open market after meeting the requirement of the end use plant linked with the mine in such manner as may be prescribed by the Central Government on payment of such additional amount.

Single Window Clearance portal for the coal sector to speed up the operationalisation of coal mines. Project Monitoring Unit for handholding of coal block allottees for obtaining various approvals/ clearances for early operationalisation of coal mines. Re-opening of discontinued mines of CIL on revenue sharing basis and operating of mines of CIL through MDO.

Coal India Limited is adopting Mass Production Technologies (MPT) in its Underground (UG) mines, mainly Continuous Miners (CMs), wherever feasible. Coal India Limited has also envisaged working large numbers of Highwalls (HW) mines in view of the availability of Abandoned / Discontinued mines. Coal India Limited is also planning large capacity UG mines wherever feasible.