The Ministry of Coal has outlined how Coal India Limited (CIL), the country’s largest coal producer, is moving away from traditional mining methods towards technology-driven operations. The shift involves deploying artificial intelligence, digital systems and safer equipment across both underground and open-cast mines to boost efficiency, worker safety and environmental performance.
What CIL is doing now
CIL has already begun using advanced tools for mineral exploration. Core drilling has been reduced by up to 50% through the use of 2D and 3D seismic surveys. Machine-learning techniques now interpret coal seams from various types of logs to identify resources more accurately.
In open-cast mines, CIL is deploying larger machinery such as 42 cubic meter shovels and 240-tonne dumpers. Blast-free mining technology, standardised since 2021, cuts down on dust, noise and vibration while improving coal quality. Electronic detonators have replaced the older technology since 2024-25. Safety systems are being added to heavy equipment, including fatigue monitoring for operators, proximity warnings and 360-degree cameras.
Underground mining production is being targeted at around 100 million tonnes using newer continuous mining and longwall technologies. CIL is also building coal evacuation infrastructure. Of 92 planned First Mile Connectivity projects worth approximately 27,800 crore rupees, 46 have been commissioned. Four of seven critical railway projects costing around 23,465 crore rupees are also operational.
On the digital front, CIL has set up Integrated Command and Control Centres at mines, deployed vehicle tracking systems and implemented SAP enterprise software to manage finance, inventory and human resources operations.
What comes next
CIL is testing remote-operated equipment, with remote-controlled bulldozers being piloted at an approximate cost of 2 crore rupees each. Electric and hybrid dumpers for mines carrying 190 tonnes or more are in development. Underground mines will be equipped with 5G networks, digital twins and autonomous monitoring rovers.
CIL plans to invest 1,900 crore rupees in research and development by fiscal year 2030. Projects under way include underground coal gasification, battery recycling technology and indigenous solar cell production. Three centres of excellence have been established at IIT Hyderabad, IIT Madras and IIT-ISM Dhanbad to develop new mining technologies.
What this means for you
Safer mining practices should reduce workplace accidents and improve the health of mining communities through cleaner air and water. Better coal supply through modernised infrastructure could support India’s electricity generation and industrial needs. The push towards automation and green technologies aligns with global environmental standards while keeping coal relevant to India’s energy security. However, the scale of investment required and the need for skilled workers mean that coal mining will remain a significant area of government focus and spending.