With an unwavering commitment to bolster indigenous manufacturing capabilities within the coal mining sector, the Ministry of Coal has embarked on a resolute journey to diminish India’s dependence on imports, aligning closely with the fundamental principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the “Make in India” campaign.
In its pursuit, the Ministry established an interdisciplinary high-level committee chaired by the Director (Technical) of CIL (Coal India Limited). This committee was tasked with recommending strategies to enhance domestic manufacturing of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) and underground mining equipment. Recognizing coal as a predominant energy source anticipated to remain crucial beyond 2030, the committee foresaw a substantial requirement for mining equipment in the country over the next decade. Comprising representatives from various ministries, companies like BEML, Caterpillar, Tata Hitachi, industry associations, and stakeholders, the committee submitted its comprehensive report, outlining pivotal steps towards fostering domestic production.
Presently, CIL imports high-capacity equipment worth Rs 3500 Crores, incurring additional expenses of Rs 1000 Crores in customs duty. To reverse this trend and propel domestic manufacturing, CIL has outlined a phased approach to gradually eliminate imports over the next six years. The focus is to encourage the development of domestically manufactured equipment. Notably, the procurement of high-capacity machines from domestic manufacturers has already commenced.
The committee’s recommendations emphasize equipment standardization to encourage domestic manufacturing, suggesting the inclusion of clauses in tenders to promote the usage of indigenous equipment, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative. Furthermore, a proposed scheme incentivizes manufacturers for producing equipment in India over five years under the same initiative.
CIL’s comprehensive standardization of mining equipment aims to promote widespread usage of domestically manufactured machinery in coal production and transportation, ensuring efficiency without compromising productivity. The issuance of standardization guidelines by CIL further reinforces the “Make in India” ethos and aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat’s overarching goals.
Moreover, the promotion of indigenous equipment capabilities is poised to reduce breakdown periods of imported machinery, facilitating enhanced operational efficiency through domestic manufacturing of major aggregates such as engines, transmission systems, and differentials.
CIL has already initiated procurement of High Capacity HEMM and advanced Continuous Miners, alongside promoting indigenous production for both Opencast (OC) and Underground (UG) mining. Notably, the introduction of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) Load Haul Dump (LHD) units demonstrates CIL’s commitment to innovative and sustainable mining practices, ensuring improved safety and cost efficiency.
Fostering partnerships with global manufacturers and exploring the utilization of underutilized government infrastructure further fortifies the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the mining sector. This initiative stands as a testament to India’s potential as a manufacturing powerhouse, creating a robust ecosystem that encourages innovation, empowers the workforce, and strengthens the economy. The Coal Ministry’s focus on ‘Make in India’ within the HEMM sector signifies a significant step towards self-reliance, heralding a new era of innovation and sustainable growth in coal mining in India.