The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 24, 2022
Underscoring the importance modern technology in mining, Odisha Minister for Steel and Mines, Prafulla Mallik, on Sunday exhorted the stakeholders to adopt the latest technologies in mining and mineral processing to make mining safer and more efficient.
In his address at the national seminar on “Technological and Digital advancements in Mining and Mineral Beneficiation” organised by the Mining Engineers Association of India (MEAI) as part of its two-day 3rd All India Council Meet held here today, the Minister said, “Harnessing technology is imperative to make mining safer and more efficient from cutting-edge exploration technology using computer vision and sensing, to predictive monitoring systems that enhance worker safety through Internet of things, AI and machine learning, to more efficient means of extracting value from increasingly low-grade deposits.”
Addressing the conference, Odisha’s Director of Mines, Debidutta Biswal said that there is a need for a well-developed Mining and Mineral beneficiation industry in India as it provides important raw material to many industries which are the backbone of economic development. The Government of Odisha has welcomed and adapted to the changing technologies in Mining and has introduced revolutionising systems like I3MS in the State, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, MEAI National President K Madhusudhana said, “MEAI will strive to act as a bridge between companies, mining fraternity and the Government-both State and Centre. Capacity building will be the thrust agenda of MEAI going forward.”
MEAI Vice President-III & Tata Steel Vice President (Raw Materials) D B Sundara Ramam said, “The importance of Technology introduction in Mining has gained paramount importance over the years to improve safety, environment and production. The topic chosen for the conference is very apt as it will introduce the mining fraternity with the latest digital and technological developments in the field of mining.”
Speaking on the occasion, MEAI Bhubaneswar-Sukinda Chapter Chairman & Tata Steel Mining Managing Director Pankaj Satija said, “The reason for the flourishing Mining Industry in Odisha is due to the progressive policies and handholding efforts of the Industry by the Government of Odisha.” “With increasing usage of minerals in several existing as well as emerging applications coupled with new technologies, we can expect a paradigm shift that can change the way minerals will be produced and consumed in the future,” he added.
The event had participation of key stakeholders of the sector from policymakers, representatives from government, mining companies, MEAI fraternity from different statesamong others.
The conference explored efficient decision making throughbroader technological and economic upheaval brought about by rapid and disruptive digital innovations across mining, assessed the impact of different digital initiatives within the sector and quantify the value they could create for the industry and wider society, highlight the digital innovations that, over the next decade, have the greatest potential to create value for the mining and metals industry, its customers and wider society, etc.
On April 23, there were deliberations on different matters on Mining Engineers Association of India and way forward for the new financial year.
