Coal Ministry Reviews Technology Upgradation in Coal Sector at Consultative Committee Meeting

New Delhi, March 13, 2026: A Consultative Committee Meeting attached to the Ministry of Coal was held under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy to discuss ongoing and future initiatives related to technology upgradation in coal companies. The meeting was attended by Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey, Members of Parliament on the committee, and senior officials from the Ministry and coal public sector undertakings.

The primary focus of the discussion was modernisation and technological advancement in coal operations. Officials presented detailed briefings covering policy measures, progress made so far, and future strategies aimed at enhancing productivity, safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the Ministry highlighted that there is currently no unprecedented surge in coal demand in the country. The Minister of State noted that Coal India Limited is actively engaged in research and development, including initiatives in coal gasification.

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy stated that technology upgradation has become a long-term objective for the sector. He emphasized that the government is leveraging advanced tools to transform coal production processes, improve safety standards, and strengthen environmental responsibility. He cited the adoption of drone-based surveying, 3D laser scanning, and artificial intelligence and machine learning for predictive analysis as examples of the sector’s shift toward smart and digital mining practices.

The Minister also outlined ongoing efforts related to advanced solutions such as carbon capture and storage, biomass co-firing, and coal gasification, describing innovation and technological integration as central to the future of the industry.

Presentations during the meeting highlighted modernization initiatives across major coal organizations. In Coal India Limited, advanced exploration techniques such as 3D seismic surveys and drone usage are being implemented, along with mechanized mining equipment to improve operational efficiency and safety. Infrastructure improvements, including enhanced transport corridors and conveyor systems, are also underway, alongside digital transformation projects such as enterprise resource planning systems and IoT-enabled technologies.

In Neyveli Lignite Corporation, digital systems have been introduced for land record management, coal dispatch monitoring, and real-time operational tracking. Technologies such as geo-fencing, 3D laser scanning, drones for mine surveying, and fuel management systems have been deployed to enhance transparency and prevent misuse.

The committee was also briefed on technological advancements in Singareni Collieries Company Limited, including integrated command centres, GIS-based surveys, intelligent logistics dashboards, and enhanced safety mechanisms for mining equipment. Updates were also shared regarding initiatives undertaken by the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation.

Members of the committee appreciated the Ministry’s efforts and offered suggestions aimed at further strengthening output and efficiency through continued technological innovation.