IMMA-National Summit, 15-16 Dec.

2017 Nagpur

Innovation: Way to Success

Prof M S Tiwari, RKNEC Nagpur

Indian underground mines especially coal mines have a problem of low production and
productivity. Though we have tried mass production and intermittent technologies,
successful implementation could not be achieved because of various reasons. Foremost
amongst them could be attitude of policy makers. Instead of long term solution easier
options like opencast mining were preferred. Today we have world class opencast mines
with comparative production and productivity statistics whereas most of our underground
mines are loss making. We still remain one of the largest importers of coal along with base
and noble metals. A country which has mastered rocket science can definitely create
innovative technology to overcome the problems faced by underground mining. Changes
are visible due to legislative reforms, difficulties in getting statutory sanctions, problems in
land acquisition etc. Perception of policy makers is the key measure which can bring about
the desired change.

This paper discusses measures which can help in turnaround of underground mining status.
Use of recent technological advancement in exploration, design of light weight drill
machines, strong R & D cell with budgetary allocations, test mines for experimentation, use
of sensors and modern communication gadgets to generate data ,use of new analysis tools
and transmission of information in real time will help us to achieve targeted production
and productivity.

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