Coal India Ltd. (CIL) has announced a strategic shift toward modernizing its underground and open‑cast mining operations, moving away from conventional methods to incorporate advanced digital tools for greater efficiency, safety and sustainability. The company’s latest factsheet from the Coal Ministry details the rollout of smart mining technologies across its network.
The transition centers on IoT, AI and data analytics, which aim to reduce hazard exposure, improve recovery rates and enable predictive maintenance. Smart control rooms and automated dispatch systems are being deployed, while resource detection uses invasive core drilling and non‑invasive 2D/3D seismic surveys, cutting boreholes by up to 50 percent. Machine‑learning models—including SVM, Decision Tree, Random Forest, MLP and XGBoost—interpret banded coal seams from Gamma‑ray, Density and Resistivity logs. Remote sensing, GIS, LiDAR, drones and bathymetric surveys support pre‑, syn‑ and post‑mining stages.
CIL has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Remote Sensing Centre to develop an AI‑powered satellite dashboard for mine monitoring and environmental auditing. The company is also phasing out electric detonators in favor of ultra‑safe electronic detonators and adopting blast‑free technology to minimise dust, noise and vibration. AI‑based safety features such as operator fatigue monitoring, proximity warning, 360‑degree cameras and automatic fire detection are being integrated, supported by AI simulators and VR training. Digitalisation through GPS‑based truck dispatch, payload monitoring and vehicle health monitoring further enhances utilisation.
Beyond technology, CIL is investing in infrastructure to boost underground production to around 100 MT using Continuous Miner, Longwall and Highwall systems, with large‑scale Longwall now being introduced. Paste‑fill, improved ventilation and strata management are planned to unlock high‑grade coal. First Mile Connectivity and critical railway projects, including Rapid Loading Systems, are being strengthened, with four of seven critical railway projects already commissioned and the remainder targeted by FY 2027‑28. The company’s digital landscape rests on Operational Technology—Integrated Command and Control Centres, RFID, weighbridge automation and GPS fleet monitoring—and Enterprise IT, where SAP S/4HANA, e‑Office, cloud infrastructure and data analytics integrate procurement, inventory, finance and HR for paperless operations. Future plans include autonomous, low‑carbon mining, remote‑operated dozers, electric mobility, trolley assist technology and collaborations with IIT Madras to electrify fossil‑fuel equipment, as well as 5G networks, digital twins and autonomous monitoring rovers for underground mines.
