New Delhi: In an effort to reduce India’s reliance on imported machinery and promote self-reliance in accordance with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the ministry of coal has announced comprehensive measures to augment indigenous manufacturing within the coal mining sector.
A high-level committee, under the stewardship of the Director (Technical) of Coal India Limited (CIL), has been tasked with formulating strategies to enhance domestic production capabilities of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) and other underground mining equipment. This is a response to the projection that coal will continue to be India’s predominant energy source even after 2030, necessitating a substantial increase in mining equipment.
CIL, which currently imports high-capacity mining equipment amounting to INR 3500 crore and incurs INR 1000 crore in customs duties, is set to implement a phased approach to cut down these imports over the next six years. This strategy is expected to foster the development and uptake of domestically manufactured equipment.
“The Committee has recommended the standardization of equipment to boost domestic manufacturing to captive/ commercial mine operators MDO/outsourcing contractors and departmental equipment, in line with CIL’s existing equipment standardization effort. It has also recommended that tender clauses should promote the use of indigenous equipment to support the “Make in India” mission,” the ministry of coal said in a statement.
In line with these recommendations, CIL has initiated the standardization of mining equipment deployment and has begun the procurement of high-capacity HEMM. The incorporation of advanced Continuous Miners and Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Load Haul Dump (LHD) units is underway, aiming at enhanced efficiency and safety in mining operations.
Moreover, the ministry is seeking to establish collaborations with global equipment manufacturers and utilize underused government infrastructure to strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities, creating a robust ecosystem for innovation and economic growth.
