For the past decade, underground coal production is showing a decreasing trend resulting in higher cost of production. As a result of this loss from underground mining is mounting each passing year.
To find a solution on minimising the loss of underground coal production, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute limited (CMPDI) organised a workshop on Friday.
Chairman-cum-managing director of CMPDI AK Debnath said, “Contribution of underground coal mining in total coal production of the country is about ten per cent, which is far below and the production from underground mines is continuously decreasing over the years. The coal production from underground mines came down from previous higher levels as a large number of underground mines were converted to opencast mines and also due to the fact that DGMS has been insisting for acquisition of land for depillaring purposes.”
He further added, “It is indeed a great challenge to increase the share of production of underground coal mines in total coal production. Stress should be given upon the need for wider discussion to come out with solutions to the challenges.”
Deputy Director General of DGMS Anup Biswas brought out the brief history of the development of the coal sector in India. He laid emphasis on increasing the production from underground coal mine. He said, “It is essential to look into the mater seriously as it is creating huddle on the ways of development of the country. There is a need to use those techniques which reduces the wastage and should make optimum utilization of the resource.”
Various presentations were presented highlighting the constraints for introduction of mass production technology at underground mining and to curb it.