New Delhi: In a significant move towards reducing India’s reliance on imports, the Ministry of Coal received the final report from the high-level committee on the domestic manufacturing of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) and underground mining equipment. The committee, chaired by Director (Technical) of CIL, submitted its recommendations on October 23, 2023.
In the pursuit of fostering indigenous manufacturing capabilities within the coal mining sector, the committee focused on key aspects, including the standardization of equipment, tender clauses promoting the use of indigenous equipment, and incentivizing manufacturers under the “Make in India” initiative.
The report highlighted Coal India Ltd’s strategic plan to gradually phase out imports of high-capacity equipment over the next six years. The emphasis is on encouraging the use of domestically manufactured equipment and supporting the overarching goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and “Make in India.”
The committee, comprised of representatives from various ministries, industry associations, and stakeholders, recommended standardizing equipment to boost domestic manufacturing for both Captive/Commercial Mine operators and departmental equipment.
Coal India Ltd has already initiated the procurement of High Capacity HEMM and advanced Continuous Miners. Efforts are underway to promote indigenous production of mining equipment for both Opencast and Underground mining, along with the introduction of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) Load Haul Dump units for increased efficiency and safety.
The Coal Ministry aims to revolutionize coal mining in India by fostering partnerships with global equipment manufacturers and utilizing government infrastructure facilities. The initiative aligns with India’s potential to become a manufacturing powerhouse and underscores the commitment to creating a robust ecosystem that supports innovation, empowers the workforce, and strengthens the economy.