core sector communique

Focus on Innovative Technologies Must to Increase Coal Production- Sripraksh Jaiswal

Innovative technologies for exploration and production of minerals with a view to improve production, productivity and safety need immediate focus to insure improve productivity especially of coal. This was stated by Minister of Coal, Shri Sripraksh Jaiswal while addressing the Indian National Committee of World Mining Congress here today. He said strata control, particularly for slope stability of the benches and overburden dumps in opencast mines, roof control in underground mines, satellite surveillance and online monitoring of mining operations utilizing information technology, etc. are some of the important areas which need technological support. Coal Minister said that training and skill development of miners is critical in conducting safe mining operations besides reclamation and rehabilitation of mined out areas and environment protection is of paramount importance in making the mining operations sustainable in the long run. He said that occupational health and safety is another area of concern. Though most of the countries have comprehensive legislation covering these aspects the mine owners/operators should pay special attention in this regard. Our ultimate aim should be zero harm to the miners, he added. Stressing the need of technology exchange, Shri Jaiswal said that India has rich experience in exploration, planning, designing and operation of both opencast and underground mining operations of coal as well as metallic minerals. We are in a position to offer our consultancy for developing mines in other countries. However, mining technologies for extraction of steep and thick coal seams are yet to be proved in Indian conditions. Similarly, successful implementation of longwall technology in India has been a challenge over the period. A couple of deep underground mines with longwall technology have been recently taken up for implementation. Mineral beneficiation is another important area related to value addition to the minerals mined. A number of large capacity washeries for coal and other minerals are in operation in India and coal washing is taking off in a big way in the country. The Minister said that our emphasis should be to develop a mining industry as world class industry and the efforts of Ministry of Coal in associating themselves with the World Mining Congress through the reconstituted Indian National Committee are expected to fulfil our dreams for technological developments, health and safety of miners along with improved production and productivity.