Dhanbad: In a groundbreaking move for the Indian mining sector, Coal India Limited (CIL) has joined forces with the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad (IIT-ISM), and the Technology Innovation in Exploration and Mining Foundation (TEXMiN) to establish the “IMiN – Innovation on Mining” Center of Excellence for Mining 4.0. This strategic alliance aims to drive digital transformation in mining through advanced technologies and research.
The newly inaugurated IMiN Center of Excellence, located at IIT-ISM Dhanbad, will be at the forefront of developing innovative technologies and research infrastructure in both national and international mining sectors. The center is set to enhance mining productivity, safety, and sustainability by integrating Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)-based technologies.
P. M. Prasad, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Coal India Limited, underscored the importance of this initiative. “IMiN will serve as a vital strategic asset, facilitating complex change initiatives for implementing Mining 4.0 in India. Our vision is to create a hub for best practices in mine digitalization across the entire mining value chain, benefiting various stakeholders including the department of mines, mine operators, students, researchers, and start-ups,” he stated.
The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Dr. B. Veera Reddy, Director (Technical) of CIL, and Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT-ISM Dhanbad and Chairman of TEXMiN. The signing ceremony was attended by several key officials, including Alok Lalit Kumar, Executive Director (Production) at CIL, and Professor Dheeraj Kumar, Project Director at TEXMiN and Deputy Director at IIT-ISM Dhanbad.
Professor Sukumar Mishra highlighted the initiative’s broader vision, noting, “Sustainability, traceability, and safety are crucial for mining organizations. Achieving these goals requires accelerating the digital transformation journey and integrating the entire value chain from the mine to the plant and port. IMiN will play a pivotal role in transforming mining communities to be more sustainable, efficient, safe, and resilient.”
Professor Dheeraj Kumar emphasized the potential of CPS in enhancing mining efficiency. “The integration of cyber-physical systems in the Indian mining sector can significantly improve operational efficiency and foster the development of new technologies. AI, machine learning, and data analytics will drive innovations that optimize mining processes and increase overall efficiency.”
This strategic partnership signifies a major advancement in the digital transformation of India’s mining industry, positioning the IMiN Center of Excellence as a key player in fostering innovation, sustainability, and collaboration between industry and academia.
