If cost and quality are to be in sync, specialists must decide if automation alone can achieve the desired goals.

We are witnessing remarkable growth in the mining sector, especially after the introduction of mining reforms. This has undoubtedly spurred the demand for mining equipment. Digital and automated tools are the latest market trends in the  mining industry, says Dheeraj Panda, COO of Sany Bharat. With a general shift in the mining industry towards newer technologies, we
have planned to introduce a new range of technologically advanced equipment in 2022.

Most of our new generation machines are manufactured in India as part of the “Make in India” initiative, keeping local customer requirements in mind. The unique design based on different applications offers tremendous scope in terms of versatility, reliability, and overall performance.

What innovative equipment is used at mining sites to improve operations while protecting the environment?

Top mining companies are using Sany mining machinery across India as it meets all their requirements regarding efficiency, reliability, and versatility. Our equipment consists of robust machines with low operation costs. We adopt genuine components from world-famous manufacturers and advanced technology suitable even for the most demanding job sites. Our machines are fuel-efficient and equipped with an intelligent fault-diagnosis technique that monitors the mining machinery in real time while improving operations and protecting the environment.

How is the mining equipment market faring in terms of expanding its capacity?
India’s metals and mining sector is expected to witness a major reform in the next few years,  owing to reforms such as the “Make in India” campaign, smart cities. Another area is rural electrification, focusing on building renewable energy projects under the national electricity policy and a rise in infrastructure development. Considering the positive trends, we are faring well in meeting market demand, and our R&D team is working hard to bring in technologically superior products. At Sany, it is not just about expanding our manufacturing capacity; the focus is to stay true to our belief that quality changes the world.

What are the procurement issues in this industry? How do procurement experts and equipment managers handle them?
Control over contracts, governance, and visibility/ transparency are some of the procurement issues in the industry. The best way to handle this is to automate the procurement process. If cost
and quality should be in sync, experts must determine whether automating alone can usher in the desired results.

What are the preventative and predictive maintenance solutions for mining equipment available?
Every machine is prone to wear and tear, but regular inspection and checking can help machines perform better and last longer. We at Sany Bharat strongly believe in delivering the best after-sales services for all products. We offer the option of an entire maintenance contract (FMC) for our machines at the time of sale. We also have an on-ground service team at the project sites, like mines, all the time, which is equipped with essential lubricants, parts, etc., for a quick response to any call. Good after-sale care increases the product’s life and durability considerably. Moving ahead in this direction, we have opened 4S offices in many strategic locations across India to provide the best aftermarket service to our burgeoning number of customers.

What is the state of underground mining in India? What are the most recent underground mining equipment trends?
There are safety and technological risks in running an underground mine, but our underground mining machinery could overcome all these risk factors. Our underground mining equipment
is efficient, reliable, and robust and has a low operation cost. Our mining equipment uses genuine components provided by world-famous manufacturers and advanced technology, which is the
best choice for demanding job sites.

What are your thoughts on the change from fuel-powered to  battery-powered or electrical mining equipment?
It is undoubtedly the need of the hour. Battery-powered mining vehicles are highly suited for underground mining. Because they do not emit exhaust gases, they reduce cooling and ventilation requirements, cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maintenance costs, and improve working conditions. These machines are cleaner, economically viable, and sustainable as they create fewer fumes, making them an environmentally friendly option.