Consultative Committee of Parliament Discusses Technology Upgradation in Coal Companies
Presenting the technology upgradation initiatives of Coal India Limited, Chairman B. Sairam said that the company is implementing significant technological improvements across its operations
A meeting of the Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament attached to the Ministry of Coal was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, Members of Parliament on the committee, and senior officials of the ministry and coal companies.
The agenda of the meeting focused on “Technology Up-gradation in Coal Companies.” Senior officials of the ministry made detailed presentations highlighting key policy initiatives, progress made so far, and future plans for modernizing the coal sector through advanced technologies.
Welcoming the dignitaries and committee members, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Vikram Dev Dutt said that at present there is no unprecedented demand for coal in the country. He briefed the committee about the ministry’s initiatives aimed at strengthening the coal sector through technological advancement and improved operational efficiency.
In his opening remarks, Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey said that Coal India Limited is not only engaged in mining coal but is also actively working on research and development activities, particularly in areas such as coal gasification.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy said that in the current scenario technology upgradation has moved beyond an opportunity and has become a permanent objective for the coal sector. He noted that the government is leveraging advanced technologies to improve production, safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility across coal mining operations.
The minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s coal sector is undergoing a major technological transformation. Highlighting examples such as drone-based surveying, 3D laser scanning, and AI and machine learning–based predictive analytics, he said the sector is gradually moving from traditional mining practices to smart, safe, and digital mining systems.
Reddy also informed the committee about the ministry’s initiatives in adopting advanced technologies such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), biomass co-firing, and coal gasification, emphasizing that continuous innovation and technology integration will shape the future of the coal sector.
Presenting the technology upgradation initiatives of Coal India Limited, Chairman B. Sairam said that the company is implementing significant technological improvements across its operations. These include the use of 3D seismic surveys and drones for exploration, along with modern mining equipment such as continuous miners and highwall systems to enhance productivity and safety.
He also highlighted infrastructure development initiatives such as new railway corridors and conveyor systems to improve coal transportation and reduce environmental impact. The company is further accelerating digital transformation through systems such as SAP ERP platforms and 5G-enabled IoT applications, while also focusing on clean coal technologies and sustainable mining through research collaborations with leading Indian institutions.
The committee was also briefed about technological advancements in NLC India Limited. The company has undertaken extensive digitalization initiatives, including the implementation of dynamic dashboards for digital land record management across Neyveli complexes and external projects, as well as a digital logistics management system for monitoring coal dispatch.
Real-time monitoring systems using OITDS and geo-fencing technologies, along with terrestrial 3D laser scanners and drones, are being used for efficient mine surveying. NLC has also introduced a fuel management system aimed at preventing fuel pilferage and misuse.
The meeting also reviewed the technological initiatives of Singareni Collieries Company Limited. Key upgrades include the establishment of an Integrated Control and Command Center, along with the use of 3D laser scanning, DGPS systems, and drone-based GIS surveys to enhance operational efficiency.
Safety and logistics improvements include an Intelligent Coal Logistics Dashboard, visual monitoring systems, and the installation of safety devices in more than 410 dumpers operating in mines.
Members of the committee were also briefed about technology-driven initiatives undertaken by the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation.
The committee members appreciated the proactive steps taken by the Ministry of Coal and offered suggestions for further optimizing the output and efficiency of coal companies through the adoption of advanced technologies.
