The CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) has achieved a significant breakthrough in mining with the first successful trial of the Dozer Push Mining Method in India.
Here's a simple explanation:
What is the Dozer Push Mining Method? It's a new way of mining developed by CSIR-CIMFR that uses automated machines, including a large dozer, to move blasted rock and recover coal.
Who is involved?
CSIR-CIMFR: A government research institute focused on mining and fuel research.
Adani Enterprises Limited: A large private mining company in India.
PEKB Coal Mine: The Parsa East and Kanta Basan coal mine in Chhattisgarh, where the trial took place.
What are the key features of the trial?
Automated Drilling: 108 holes were drilled using an unmanned automated drill machine.
Bulk Emulsion Explosives: 60 tons of safer explosives were used for blasting.
Automated Dozer: A specially designed large dozer was used to move the blasted material.
What are the advantages of this method?
Increased Efficiency: Faster coal recovery.
Weather Resilience: Reduces delays due to bad weather, especially during monsoon season.
Cost-Effective: Estimated 7-10% reduction in operating costs compared to traditional methods.
Improved Dragline Use: Better utilization of dragline machines.
Enhanced Worker Safety: Reduces risks to workers by using automated machinery instead of manual labor.
Minimal Environmental Impact: Precise blasting minimizes environmental damage.
What are the future plans?
More trial blasts (8-10) to further improve the blast design.
Final recommendations for wider use of the method in Indian mines.
What is CSIR-CIMFR? The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research.
What is PEKB? Parsa East and Kanta Basan, a coal mine in Chhattisgarh.
What are Bulk Emulsion Explosives? A safer type of explosive used in mining.
What was the coal production in India recently?
December 2024: 97.94 million tonnes (5.33% annual growth).
Captive and commercial mines: Record monthly production of 18.40 million tonnes.
First three quarters of FY25: Over 34% year-on-year increase.
December 2024 Dispatch: 17.67 million tonnes (33.20% year-on-year increase).
April to December Dispatch: 137.34 million tonnes (33.95% increase compared to previous year).
Index of Eight Core Industries increased by 7.5%.
Coal industry index reached 172.9 points (6.4% growth among all core industries).
In simple terms: Scientists have tested a new, safer, and more efficient way to mine coal in India. This new method uses automated machines like drills and bulldozers, reducing risks for workers and improving productivity. The initial tests were successful, and this could lead to big improvements in the Indian mining industry. Coal production in India has also seen significant growth recently.