Dhanbad: The annual techno-mining festival, Khanan 2024, officially commenced today at the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad (IIT-ISM). The two-day event, organized by the Department of Mining Engineering in collaboration with the SME IIT-ISM Student Chapter, features prominent executives from leading coal companies, highlighting the significance of the coal sector.
During the inaugural function, Jitendra Mallik, Director Technical of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) and an alumnus of IIT-ISM, emphasized the importance of practical innovation in the mining industry.
“An innovation with no applicability dies out with time,” he stated, urging students to engage directly with the challenges faced in the mines. He encouraged them to explore real-world problems and develop sustainable solutions.
Niladri Roy, Director Technical of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and guest of honor, spoke about the enduring relevance of coal mining despite a predicted decrease in the percentage of thermal power in energy production.
“While the share of thermal power may decline, the absolute need for thermal power will increase due to rising demand and insufficient development of renewable energy sources,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in coal mining to meet environmental targets.
Satish Jha, Director Technical of CMPDIL, motivated students to embrace hard work as the path to success, stating, “When you aspire to reach the top in any organization, hard work is the only way forward.” He, along with Shri Animesh Jain, Regional Director of NTPC, underscored the mining industry’s critical role in meeting power demands, asserting that persistence and resilience are key to achieving success.
Professor Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT-ISM, reflected on the evolution of Khanan since its inception in 2016, noting that it has grown into Asia’s largest annual techno-mining festival.
He announced that IIT-ISM recently signed a research and development agreement with St. Petersburg University, paving the way for student exchanges and collaborative projects, with a delegation from the Russian institution expected to visit in December.
Professor D.P. Mishra, Head of the Department of Mining Engineering, welcomed attendees and highlighted the objectives of Khanan 2024, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of innovation in the mining sector.
