Northern Coalfields Limited, a flagship subsidiary of Coal India Limited kickstarted the 6th Edition of the two-day International Conference on Opencast Mining Technology & Sustainability (ICOMS) at NCL HQ on Friday. The Chairman of Coal India PM Prasad Inaugurated the Conference by Video Conferencing. While addressing the inaugural session, Prasad praised NCL for being the only subsidiary of Coal India which is continuously clocking the year-on-year growth in terms of Coal Production, Dispatch, and Overburden Removal for the past 6 Years.

He underscored the importance of the ICOMS and asserted that ICOMS paves the path for expert research papers, and exhibitions and proves to be a fruitful platform that helps in resolving the social, environmental & operational challenges of opencast mining. Additionally, Prasad appreciated the innovative initiatives of the company including FMC Projects, other steps towards environmental sustainability & Project DigiCoal.

During the presidential address, CMD NCL Bhola Singh said that departmental production is the cornerstone of NCL. He also focused on the sustainable mining practices in NCL. Singh appreciated the OB to Sand & other innovative initiatives of the Company inclusively conserving the natural resources. He also stressed upon the continuous adoption of new technology and stated that quality coal supply to the consumers is the prime concern of NCL.

He also described sustainable initiatives like solar power plants towards NET Zero and Overburden Removal as a need of the hour for the company's futuristic growth.

Additionally, Singh also outlined Miniratna's plan of Mining in the Main Basin Area to contribute to the Nation's Energy Independence. While praising the mechanical fleet of NCL, he exhorted on the adoption of new technology and methodology to minimize the cost of production.

A grand Mining Machinery Exhibition has been organized on the sideline of the conference in which more than 50 Multinational Companies, Startups, and MSMEs are participating and showcasing their products and services particularly used in HEMMs, Mine operation, mine Safety, productivity, and digitization.

During the inaugural session of ICOMS-2023, a souvenir was also released. Participants from 50 big multinational companies are participating in this conference. Also, more than 60 research papers are being presented at the conference, which includes 4 International papers.

The main topics being covered in the 6th International Conference being held on 22 & 23rd December are Atmanirbhar Bharat and Amrit Kaal Yatra, Production and Productivity in Opencast Mines, Equipment Infrastructure and Power Supply Management, Demand Supply Scenario and Outlook, Business Diversification, Technological Change in Mining Sector, Business Development, New Initiatives and Innovations. Emphasis is being also laid on digitalization, artificial intelligence, security, land acquisition, rehabilitation, environment, and social development in mining.

NCL is the highest volume (coal production and Overburden combined) handling company in the Nation. The company produces over 131 Million Tonnes of coal and handles over 460 Million Cubic Meters of Overburden from 10 Opencast mines located in MP and UP states. The company boasts of having the best open-cast mines in terms of mechanization and infrastructure.

The company has already surpassed 100 Million Tonnes of Coal production and Dispatch in FY 2023-24 against the fiscal target of 135 Million Tonnes. The company has crossed its Annual Capex Target of ₹ 2150 Crore and has spent Rs 2443.72 Crore till November month.