With the deployment of the state-of-the-art mining technology, SECL gears up to meet the ever-increasing coal requirements in India

SECL, since inception, has been the largest coal-producing subsidiary of Coal India Limited. During FY 2019-20, it produced 150.50 MT of coal, contributing over 25 per cent to the total coal produced by CIL.

Coal demand is on rise each day and CIL has set an ambitious target of achieving one billion tonne coal production by FY 2023-24. SECL will have a significant contribution in this huge target. In this context, SECL is surging ahead with its massive mining technology upgrade plans.

A large number of HEMM are being procured and deployed in SECL mines. In Gevra Open Cast Mine itself, total of 84 dumpers with 150T capacity, nine dozers (850 HP), four electric hydraulic shovels of 16 CuM capacity and two wheel dozers (460 HP) are being procured and deployed. Out of these 32 dumpers, two shovels, nine dozers (850 HP) and two wheel dozers (460 HP) are received. Remaining machines are due shortly.

Similarly, in Kusmunda Open Cast Mine, five surface miners, three electric hydraulic shovel (10.2 CuM), 10 front-end loaders (10 CuM), two crawler dozers (850 HP) and one wheel dozer (460 HP) are being procured and deployed. Out of these, a surface miner, six front-end loader and one wheel dozer is due shortly. Rest of the machines have been made available in Kusmunda Mine. Also, in Dipka Open Cast Mine, two electric hydraulic shovels of 10.2 CuM capacity have been procured and deployed.

It is pertinent to mention that Gevra Open Cast, Kusmunda Open Cast and Dipka Open Cast are the mega projects of SECL and have a huge bearing on the annual coal production of the company. With induction of these HEMM, the total mine capacity for Over Burden Removal (OBR) will increase from 138.52 mn CuM (as on April 1, 2020) to 166.42 mn CuM (on April 1, 2021). Capital expenditure for procurement of these HEMM is Rs 1,457 crore.

This induction of latest technology is in addition to the huge fleet of HEMM already available with SECL. On April 1, SECL had 438 dumpers, 156 dozers, 112 drills, 81 shovels and four draglines. The new machines are in addition to this existing fleet.

For coal mining, the right coordination of Man and Machines is a must. In this pursuit, a large number of manpower is being inducted in mining operations. Recently, within the company, around 317 employees were selected as HEMM operators. They will contribute as dumper, dozer, drill, shovel, pay-loader and crane operator in various mines of SECL.

During FY 2019-20, two new mines were started in SECL. These include Bijari Open Cast in Raigarh Area and Jagannathpur Open Cast in Bhatgaon Area. These mines will contribute to SECL’s coal production. Several initiatives have been taken during the last FY to ensure safety in mining process like deployment of 23 new fire tenders, 15 hydraulic ladders and five rescue vans.

Additionally, environment tele-monitoring system has also been installed in 10 underground mines. With the deployment of the state-of-the-art mining technology, SECL gears up to meet the ever-increasing coal requirements in India.