Coal Sector Shifting to Smart Mining: Reddy

• Coal Ministry consultative committee meeting held under G. Kishan Reddy
• Discussion focused on technology upgradation in coal companies
• Use of drones, AI, 3D scanning and digital systems highlighted
• MPs suggest further innovation to boost efficiency and output

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th March: A consultative committee meeting of Members of Parliament attached to the Ministry of Coal was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, with discussions focusing on technology upgradation in coal companies.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, members of the committee, and senior officials from the Ministry of Coal and major coal companies.

The agenda of the meeting centred on the use of advanced technology to modernise coal sector operations, with officials presenting detailed briefings on ongoing initiatives, progress and future plans.

Welcoming the participants, Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt said that there is currently no unprecedented demand for coal in the country, highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable supply through efficient operations.

Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey said that Coal India Limited is not only focused on coal production but is also actively pursuing research and development initiatives, particularly in emerging areas such as coal gasification.

Addressing the committee, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy emphasised that technology upgradation has become a permanent objective for the coal sector. He said the government is leveraging technology to improve production, safety, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Reddy noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the coal sector is witnessing a major technological transformation. He highlighted the growing use of drone technology for surveying, 3D laser scanning, and artificial intelligence and machine learning-based predictive analytics, which are helping shift the sector from traditional mining to smart, safe and digital mining practices.

The minister also informed the committee about the ministry’s efforts to adopt advanced technologies such as carbon capture and storage, biomass co-firing and coal gasification, describing innovation and technology integration as the future of the coal sector.

During the meeting, Coal India Limited Chairman B. Sairam presented details on technological upgrades being implemented by the company. These include 3D seismic surveys and drone-based exploration, as well as modern mining equipment such as continuous miners and highwall systems to enhance safety and productivity.

Coal India is also improving logistics and infrastructure through new railway corridors and conveyor systems aimed at reducing environmental impact and improving coal transportation. Digital transformation initiatives such as SAP ERP systems and 5G-enabled IoT technologies are also being deployed.

Officials also highlighted technological initiatives undertaken by Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).

NLC has introduced digital dashboards for land records, digital logistics management systems, geo-fencing technologies and drone-based surveys, along with real-time monitoring systems to improve operational efficiency.

Similarly, SCCL has established an Integrated Control and Command Centre, along with drone-based GIS surveys, 3D laser scanning and intelligent coal logistics dashboards. Safety features such as monitoring systems and safety devices have also been installed in hundreds of dumpers to enhance worker protection.

Members of the consultative committee appreciated the ministry’s initiatives and offered suggestions to further enhance productivity and operational efficiency through greater adoption of modern technologies in coal companies.