Gainwell Engineering introduces India’s first domestically manufactured Room & Pillar Mining Equipment, increasing coal mining efficiency, aligning with ‘Make in India,’ and demonstrating indigenous innovation from its Panagarh factory.

Gainwell Engineering Private Limited (GEPL), a global leader in sophisticated mining solutions, has launched the first-ever domestically made Room and Pillar Mining Equipment Package. The groundbreaking equipment, which was delivered to Eastern Coalfields Limited, represents a key milestone for the country’s manufacturing and coal mining industries. This significant accomplishment advances India’s attempts to position itself as a global hub for manufacturing excellence while boosting the ‘Make in India’ drive in an otherwise import-dependent sector, as envisioned by the Honourable Prime Minister. It has also marked a new chapter in the country’s quest for self-sufficiency in production of high-end capital goods.

Underground mining machinery Continuous Miner (Model GCM345) and Feeder Breaker (Model GFB110) are shining instances of indigenous engineering brilliance and technological innovation. These machines were manufactured at Gainwell Engineering’s cutting-edge factory in Panagarh, West Bengal. Gainwell Engineering obtained an intellectual property (IP) license from Caterpillar for the Room & Pillar Equipment technology in 2021, ensuring the adoption of the most advanced and efficient mining technologies. In addition to these innovative machines, the package includes globally recognised equipment such as Phillips Global Shuttle Cars, RHAM Roof Bolters, and AllenWest Power Centres. Together, they constitute a strong ensemble capable of redefining efficiency and safety in mining operations.

India is dedicated to being self-sufficient in its energy sector, using a balanced mix of fossil fuels and renewable energy to meet the developmental needs of a rapidly developing economy. The Ministry of Coal has set lofty output targets, aiming for 1.3 billion tonnes of domestic coal production in FY2026 and 1.51 billion tonnes in FY2030. Coal currently contributes for over 56 percent of India’s primary commercial energy consumption, with coal-fired power generation accounting for 72 percent of total electricity production.

The UG Coal Vision Plan of Coal India Limited, developed under the UG Coal Mission of the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, emphasises the continuous relevance of coal in India’s energy mix while promoting the use of environmentally sustainable mining practices. The decline of shallow opencast coal sources needs a shift towards more sustainable, socially responsible underground mining operations. Continuous miners are expected to play an important part in the drive towards more efficient underground mining methods. Coal India has set an ambitious objective of producing 100 million tonnes of coal from underground mines by 2030. Gainwell Engineering has designed 140 continuous miner projects to meet this target. The company is well-positioned and has built the capability to service this demand completely while meeting its export ambitions.

Shri PM Prasad, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Coal India Limited, says on the occasion, “Coal continues to be the backbone of India’s energy security, driving economic growth and industrial development. As the world’s largest coal mining company, it is imperative that Coal India transition to more efficient and mechanised mining processes. Local manufacturing of Room & Pillar Equipment especially Continuous Miner will be a big enabler to grow the coal production from underground mines. High production, continuous cutting technology are vital in meeting our underground production targets, and we are happy that Gainwell Engineering has started manufacturing this equipment in India. This will help us achieve our goal of 100 million tonnes of underground coal production by 2030.”

Commenting on the occasion, Sunil Chaturvedi, Chairman, Gainwell Group, says, “This achievement marks a significant step towards making India a global leader in the manufacturing of innovative capital goods like mining equipment. At Gainwell Engineering, we are committed to excellence and innovation, and our state-of-the-art facility in Panagarh reflects this dedication. Gainwell Engineering has resolved to emerge as a large bespoke capital goods manufacturer in India, serving critical needs of mining, railways, material handling, and defence sectors not only for the domestic market but also for the large emerging export possibilities. By launching manufacturing of high-end coal mining equipment, we have begun to not only cater to India’s growing energy needs but also position India as a key player in the global mining technology market.”

Gainwell Engineering recently exported from its Panagarh factory and commissioned a state-of-the-art 370 Tonne Highwall Miner, precision-engineered equipment for a customer in Queensland, Australia, in Q4 2024, while the Continuous Miner will debut in the United States in Q3 2025.

For more information, visit: https://www.gainwellengineering.com/index-india.html