BEML is planning for indigenous development and manufacture of an 8T capacity Tyre Handler and 550 HP Motor Grader.

In the mining sector, Minerals are precious natural resources that serve as essential raw materials for primary industries, including the infrastructure industry. “So, the growth of the mining industry is essential for the overall industry as well as the infrastructure development of a nation,” says Amit Banerjee, CMD, BEML LIMITED.

How is the mining sector changing in response to the current infrastructure demand?
There is significant scope for new mining capacities in iron ore, bauxite and coal and considerable opportunities for future discoveries of sub-surface deposits. Infrastructure projects continue to provide lucrative business opportunities for steel, zinc, and aluminium producers. Iron and steel make up a core component of the real estate sector. Demand for these metals is set to continue, given strong growth expectations for the residential and commercial building industry.

The other factors that led to the growth of the mining sector in India include improved infrastructural development, automobile manufacture, the growth of the power and cement sector and; Inclusion of the private sector in the mining industry have played a dominant role in increasing mineral production accounting for 67.33 percent of the total value.

What innovative equipment is used at mining sites to improve operations while protecting the environment?
India produces over 85 minerals, including Coal, Lignite, Bauxite, Chromite, Copper-ore & concentrates, Iron-ore, Lead & Zinc concentrates, Manganese-ore, Silver, Diamond, Limestone, Phosphorite etc. India is the second-largest producer and importer of coal in the world. Hence, the Indian Mining equipment market is expanding rapidly, and technology is becoming a critical differentiating factor for manufacturers and mining companies as digitisation and automation are continuously gaining momentum.

To meet the above market demand, BEML has indigenously developed and manufactured Electric Dump Trucks models BH150E & BH205E and Electric Excavator model BE1800E. This equipment is all deployed and working satisfactorily on the sites. Now, BEML is indigenously developing and manufacturing electrically driven environmentally friendly mining equipment; Rope Shovel (20 cum) is manufactured and will be supplied under trial order.

Further, BEML equipment is powered with the latest technology and fuel-efficient engines, which results in fuel savings and lesser carbon footprints. The wheeled construction equipment manufactured by BEML; BG605I Motor Grader (12 feet blade), BG405A Motor Grader (10 feet blade), BL200-1 Wheel Loader (1.7 cum bucket) and BL30-1 Wheel Loader (3.1 cum bucket) are powered with latest technology BS-IV emission norms compliant engines.

What are the procurement issues in this industry? How do procurement experts and equipment managers handle them?

Procurement is a complex process that involves a lot of paperwork, negotiations, and discussion of bids, among other tasks. Another common challenge faced in the procurement process is supply risk. Challenges in quality and delivery sometimes make it hard for companies to find a high-quality supplier.

The procurement comes with many challenges, but they can be handled if we adopt technology and find a solution that will help make procurement easier, hassle-free and efficient for companies. Digitalisation standardised processes and well-defined workflows to mitigate risks associated with supplier issues.

Maintenance contracts for reducing downtime, Target costing, Long-term contracts, Material tracking, timely payments, Efficient Supplier management, Indigenisation, Aggregator model etc., are some of the ways of handling procurement in a productive environment.

What are the preventative and predictive maintenance solutions for mining equipment available?
Mining equipment plays an important role in achieving the targeted production of mines; hence, the availability of mining equipment is most important for profitable mining operations. The advanced digital technologies on mining equipment allow equipment operators and owners to work more productively, efficiently and safely.

An optimised maintenance system needs to be put in to avoid downtime, delays, and incidents that ultimately lead to significant financial losses. Timely preventive maintenance of mining equipment will enhance the life of the sub-assemblies, reducing the equipment’s operating costs.

With BEML offering different Maintenance contracts, recon exchange of aggregates, rehabilitation of used equipment, Technical Audit, upgradation of equipment, and service centre repair facility, as overall product support to improve the availability of equipment, it aims to increase productivity and to reduce the overall operating cost of mining equipment.

What are your thoughts on the change from fuel-powered to battery-powered or electrical mining equipment?
Electrically driven mining equipment has advantages over diesel-driven equipment. They are environmentally friendly and have controlled noise levels. The life of an electric motor is higher than a diesel engine’s life, has high efficiency compared to diesel drive and consumes less energy.

In mining projects where the working area is defined and requires less equipment mobility and a regular electric power supply, electrically operated equipment (Electro-Hydraulic Excavators) find more application.

BEML has indigenously developed and manufactured high-end Electric Hydraulic Excavators for mining applications of 100 Ton & 180 Ton class. This equipment has already been supplied and working satisfactorily in the mines.