In an exclusive interview with B2B Purchase Magazine, Muthusekkar P L, Chief Operating Officer, Hailstone, shared invaluable insights into the company’s latest innovations and its pivotal role in supporting India’s mining, infrastructure, and construction sectors.

Please tell us about the products Hailstone is showcasing at the Bharat Construction Equipment Expo.
This exhibition is a significant platform for showcasing our work for Bharat. We have presented a range of solutions, mainly focusing on the needs of government sectors. Our contributions span industries such as coal, steel, water irrigation, ports, and infrastructure.

We have introduced coal crushers, screens, and solutions for coal overburden sand conversion in the coal sector. We have also provided iron ore crushers and screens for the steel industry. In water and irrigation, we have worked on several dam projects, including the removal of silt and its conversion into sand. This not only enhances dam storage capacity but also improves the overall quality of water, which is essential for India’s growing water infrastructure.

Our work with ports includes collaborations with Adani Port in Jam Village and other sites like Trivandrum, where we have been involved in dredging and construction projects. We play a crucial role in supplying aggregates and sand for road construction, smart cities, and large-scale infrastructure development, ensuring that these projects receive the necessary materials for success.

How is the mining industry’s shift toward higher capacity and quality impacting decisions on capital and operational expenditures?
The mining industry is undergoing a significant transformation. One of the most noticeable changes is the increase in capacity. Where mining operations once focused on 200-250 tons per hour, the future is moving towards 350 and even 500 tons per hour. This shift reflects the growing demand for higher output and productivity. Additionally, there is an increasing emphasis on quality. Customers are becoming more knowledgeable and educated, demanding the best products available. This means that decisions around purchases are no longer based on routine or habit; they are driven by a strong desire for efficiency and reliability in capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx).

What role does sustainability play in the design of your products, especially regarding energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints?
Sustainability is a key priority for us. We are committed to ensuring energy efficiency across all our products and solutions. Our goal is to provide lifelong savings for our customers, not just at the time of purchase but throughout the equipment’s operational life. We offer hybrid models that run on dual power sources to achieve this, promoting flexible and energy-efficient operations. This is just one example of how we are integrating sustainable practices into our solutions. We aim to reduce carbon footprints and ensure our equipment contributes to long-term environmental benefits.

How does Hailstone integrate these technologies into its equipment with the rise of IoT and automation?
We have already adopted semi-automation, which I classify as Level 3 automation. Our machines are equipped with the ability to provide real-time data, be monitored remotely, and even be operated from a distance. This level of automation allows our customers more control over their operations, enhancing both efficiency and optimisation. While full-fledged automation is still in the works and may take a little longer to implement across the industry, we are already making strides in this direction. We are optimistic that this transition will evolve as the technology matures.

How do you view the government’s recent reforms regarding mineral auctions and transparency in the mining sector?
I believe that the mining sector has the potential to contribute significantly to India’s economic growth. The benefits could be immense if the sector is given the right opportunities and becomes more transparent. Private players should be allowed to operate more freely within a well-regulated system, which will unlock the sector’s full potential. If these reforms are implemented effectively, they could play a vital role in doubling India’s GDP, benefiting the economy and the government.

With the Union Budget approaching, what policies or initiatives would you like to see implemented in the mining, irrigation, and infrastructure sectors?
I would like to see uniformity in taxation, particularly for mining-related equipment and projects. GST processes should be streamlined, and considerations should be made for the impact of imports and customs duties. There should be more support for Make in India companies, especially those with localised production and developed indigenised products. Companies that have invested in India’s growth by manufacturing locally should receive special consideration, whether through incentives or favourable terms for government purchases. These initiatives would undoubtedly support the growth of Indian manufacturing and boost the Make in India movement.

For more information, visit: https://www.hailstonein.com/