BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal and Mrs. Archana Agarwal Host Cultural Evening at 11th Asian Mining Congress in Kolkata

Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal and his wife Archana Agarwal hosted a grand cultural evening at the JW Marriott, Kolkata, as part of the 11th Asian Mining Congress (AMC-IME 2025). The event was graced by renowned classical singer Padma Shri Shubha Mudgal, whose mesmerizing performance added a soulful dimension to the evening. The gathering witnessed the presence of eminent mining experts, policymakers, scientists, and industry representatives from India and abroad.

Earlier, during the technical session held on Thursday, Mr. Manoj Kumar Agarwal chaired the session on “Drilling and Blasting Technologies.” The session featured six research papers by scientists and experts from leading mining institutions, focusing on responsible blasting techniques, seismic vibration control, machine learning-based analysis, and alternative blasting methods in sensitive areas.

In his address, Mr. Agarwal emphasized the crucial role of science and technology in enhancing safety, productivity, and sustainability within the mining sector. He urged scientists and technical professionals to develop innovative and practical solutions for modern mining challenges. “BCCL is continuously striving to incorporate the latest technologies into its mining operations,” he said.

As part of the International Mining Exhibition (IME 2025)—a key component of the Asian Mining Congress—Mr. Agarwal also visited BCCL’s stall at the Biswa Bangla Mela Grounds. BCCL’s exhibit showcased working models of its Longwall and Monorail Mining Systems, drawing significant attention from visitors and industry leaders. The display highlighted the company’s technological prowess, innovation, and commitment to sustainable mining practices.

It is noteworthy that BCCL pioneered India’s first mechanized powered roof support longwall system at the Munidih Colliery in 1978, marking a milestone in deep coal deposit extraction. The company has also developed India’s first suspended diesel-hydraulic monorail system, capable of carrying up to 30 tonnes of load directly from the surface to underground longwall faces—a breakthrough that has revolutionized safety and efficiency in coal transportation.

Organized by the Mining, Geological and Metallurgical Institute of India (MGMI), the 11th Asian Mining Congress and International Mining Exhibition (AMC-IME 2025) is being held on 30–31 October 2025 at the JW Marriott, Kolkata, and the Biswa Bangla Mela Grounds. The event brings together leading mining professionals, policymakers, scientists, and representatives from Asian countries to deliberate on technological innovations and sustainable mining solutions.