There is already enough indication that underground coal mining is gaining prominence in India

- Prasenjit Maity

National Head-OE Sales, Underground Soft Rock, Komatsu

How are mining and mining methodologies evolving in India? How is the company supporting the revival of Indian mining industry?

The method of underground coal mining varies widely from mine to mine, depends on geo-mining conditions and application for each coal seam. From planning to operation of the equipment, a deep understanding of each mine's specific needs and customization of both equipment and systems are required. Traditionally Bord & Pillar is the main mining method for extraction of coal with drill & blast technology using LHDs & SDLs. Now, industry is focusing on converting these semi-mechanized mines into fully mechanized Room & Pillar mining using mass production technology. Joy Global is actively supporting the industry with the latest update on the mechanized mining method to enhance the production and productivity of the underground coal mines.

What are the latest technology trends in coal mining?

The latest technology trends in underground coal mining are to provide integrated solution from coal face to surface bunker by introduction of mass production technology. More and more brown field mines have been identified for introduction of Continuous Miner (CM) technology. New greenfield mines, both public and private sectors, are being planned with same CM technology.

How is underground (UG) mining gaining prominence in India? What kind of equipment and solutions do you provide in UG mining?

Underground mining is more environment friendly, and the quality of coal is also better. Moreover, for extraction of deep-seated coal reserves, underground mining is the only viable option. There is already enough indication that underground coal mining is gaining prominence in India.

A fully mechanized room & pillar mining will require the following equipment, which is capable to produced 0.5 million tonne for standard seam (2.8 m to 5 m) and 0.36 million tonne for low height coal seam (1.5 m to 2.8 m)

• 1 x continuous miner (coal cutting)
• 2 x shuttle car, or 2 x batter hauler (hauling)
• 1 x feeder breaker (crushing)
• 2 x roof bolter (roof supporting)
• 2 x multi-utility vehicle
• 1 x load centre for the above equipment package

What opportunities do you visualize for your equipment range in the current and upcoming industry scenario?

To meet the target of 100 milion tonne underground coal production by 2030, we visualize that both Government and Private sector will go for mass scale mechanization of both brown field and Greenfield mines. We anticipate that the industry requirement will be 10-15 continuous miner equipment package every year.

How are you prepared for the future demand push of mining equipment?

Joy Global has the full range of products for mechanized underground coal mine covering coal cutting, hauling, crushing, roof supporting. Also, the equipment range meets all the thickness of coal seams - low to high seam up to 5 m cutting height. Joy Global can supply a full package for Room & Pillar mining to meet the current and upcoming industry requirement. Also, we have initiated phase-wise localized manufacturing of the CM package.

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