We have a direct access to the latest technologies available with Hitachi Construction Machinery, which enables us to offer the state-of-the-art equipment to customers in India, says Hemant Mathur, AVP Sales and Marketing, Tata Hitachi.

How are the recent policy changes helping the mining industry to revive? What is the current market trend in mining?

The current changes in the policies for the mining industry are a welcome move indeed. These changes should go a long way in revitalising the performance of the mining sector. With a new concept of commercial mining being introduced, the entry of private players in coal mining is a step in the right direction that will contribute to enhancing coal production in the country, as well as boosting revenues in a rapid and efficient manner. This is expected to have a significant impact, given that coal mining contributes to over 50 percent of mineral production in India. In addition, the removal of absence of end-use restrictions should ensure maximising of revenues for producers as well as reducing import dependence, thereby making India self-sufficient to meet its coal requirements.

How are the new policy steps promoting the use of advanced technologies in mining?

Technology, and its continual upgradation to meet the industry needs, are always primary for any industrial sector to substantially grow, and the same is visible in mining too. For instance, the policy measures encourage the development of bigger mines, and will enable operators to look for equipment procured for deployment over longer periods of time, both for increased output as well as for better technical and commercial efficiencies. This may result in the introduction of mega mining machines going forward. In this direction, mining companies have been working on adopting new technology enhancing safety, productivity, and eco-friendly operations in their HEMM.

In addition, higher capacity AC drive dumpers, electric hydraulic shovels and remotely operated drills, among others, supported by increasingly complex networks for parts and services are being considered. All these machines now come equipped with VHMS (Vehicle Health Monitoring System) which can monitor vital parameters and integrate machine operations with those of other equipment (plants or HEMM) working with it to create a more comprehensive operating system.

Advancements such as hybrid machines, more environmentally friendly equipment, ergonomically better and safer equipment, interconnected equipment that work together through advanced software and mine management systems, and autonomous and remotely operated machines, to name a few, are all in various stages of discussion and introduction to Indian markets. 

What are the new product developments at the company for the mining sector? What are the latest developments in dump trucks?

We, as Tata Hitachi, and as Hitachi Construction Equipment, Japan, have been at the vanguard of developing latest technologies, ascertaining customer needs, and working on incorporating the same in our equipment. The hydraulics, electricals  and electronics used in our machines are industry-leading and best in class.

We currently manufacture the largest range of excavators in India, and we are continuously looking at upgrading and expanding our range. We have in place a process to bring in new products and technologies into India, both for product upgrade, as well as for Make in India initiative, and for continuously trying to make India a production hub for a global organisation with multiple production facilities. 

We at Tata Hitachi have a direct access to the latest technologies available with Hitachi Construction Machinery, which enables us to offer the state-of-the-art equipment to customers in India. Hitachi also manufactures higher capacity of dumpers from 190-Tonne payload and above, featuring advanced AC drive technology with inbuilt IGBT, which makes the machines smart and efficient. Many of these dumpers also have a provision for running with trolley options where AC drive motors are directly linked with overhead AC power lines. In addition, HCM have also commissioned dumpers with Autonomous Haulage systems, which is currently an upcoming requirement internationally.

What is your outlook on the mining activities in the country going ahead?

We have seen that mining as an industry has been able to withstand the disruptions due to COVID-related lockdowns, given the nature of operations. We see this trend continuing in the face of anticipated future waves too. We also see a robust future for mining in the country on the back of the new Mining Rules allowing commercial mining. In addition, the Aatmanibhar Bharat programme will go a long way in ensuring we are able to indigenously service this sector effectively and efficiently.