The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 13, 2025
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has launched its first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered drone-based solution for blasting clearance and danger zone monitoring at its Jamkhani coal mine in Odisha. Developed in collaboration with Vedanta’s Spark initiative, this cutting-edge technology represents a major leap forward in ensuring enhanced safety across mining operations.
The AI-powered drone is equipped with advanced software, enabling real-time aerial monitoring and automatic detection of human, animal, and vehicle movements within a 500-meter blasting zone. It provides automated alerts through live streaming, allowing officials to remotely oversee operations and swiftly respond to potential risks. Additionally, the system facilitates seamless audio communication between officials, drone pilots, and blasting officers, ensuring precise coordination and operational efficiency.
With its AI capabilities, the drone autonomously detects objects, identifies anomalies, and triggers instant alerts, effectively covering blind spots that traditional ground surveillance may miss. In cases of unauthorized entry or unusual activity, the system promptly notifies officials, allowing immediate corrective action to prevent accidents.
Jamkhani coal mine, Vedanta’s first-ever greenfield coal mine in Odisha, is fully operational and supplies fuel to the company’s Jharsuguda plant — one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters.
Emphasizing the importance of safety in mining operations, Vedanta Aluminium COO Sunil Gupta said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, safety is a key priority. The integration of AI-powered drones into our safety protocols is a transformative step towards creating a safer work environment while improving monitoring and compliance. We remain committed to adopting best-in-class digital solutions for the well-being of our workforce.”
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, CEO of Coal Mines David Stone said, “The introduction of this drone-based monitoring system sets a new benchmark in mine safety. By providing real-time surveillance and instant communication capabilities, it empowers our teams with greater situational awareness and risk mitigation strategies.”
As part of its broader digital transformation strategy, Vedanta Aluminium continues to pioneer innovative technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The AI-powered drone solution is a testament to the company’s commitment to leveraging advanced digital tools for improved mining operations.
Underscoring the role of corporate collaboration with startups, Vice President & Head – CVC & Spark Amitesh Sinha said, “The deployment of this drone project in partnership with Vedanta Aluminium’s Mines team and Skylark Drones reflects our commitment to safety through innovative solutions. The Spark program is actively working with the Vedanta Aluminium team to identify key operational areas, introducing over 70 startups and deploying more than 100 projects. By leveraging technologies such as AI, robotics, IoT, and smart safety solutions, we are driving innovation to transform manufacturing.”
Beyond technological advancements, Vedanta Aluminium remains dedicated to fostering socio-economic growth in Odisha. The company actively engages with local communities through initiatives in education, safety, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture. By collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders, Vedanta ensures that its interventions lead to meaningful and lasting progress.
Vedanta Aluminium, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest aluminium producer, accounting for over half of the country’s aluminium output with 2.37 million tonnes in FY2024. The company is a leader in value-added aluminium products essential to core industries and ranks second in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 world rankings for the aluminium industry. With world-class aluminium smelters, an alumina refinery, and power plants, Vedanta Aluminium continues to drive emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a sustainable tomorrow.
