Minerals constitute the back-bone of economic growth of any nation and India has been eminently endowed with this gift of nature. The Mining industry in India is a major economic activity which contributes significantly to the economy of India. The GDP contribution of the mining industry varies from 2.2% to 2.5% only but going by the GDP of the total industrial sector it contributes around 10% to 11%. Even mining done on small scale contributes 6% to the entire cost of mineral production. India is rich in the resources of minerals like Coal, iron ore, bauxite, manganese, baryte etc. India produces as many as 87 minerals, which includes 4 fuel minerals, 10 metallic minerals, 47 non-metallic minerals, 3 atomic minerals and 23 minor minerals (including building and other materials).

Despite India’s significant geological potential, the country does not rank very high in terms of its mineral resource base amongst similarly geological endowed nations. There is significant mineral potential that still lay untapped in India for the growth of mining but historically, mining sector has struggled to exploit the potential due to some factors including regulatory and administrative procedures, inadequate infrastructure facilities and sustainability, proper technology. In-Pit Sizing and Conveying (IPSC) systems are a cost-effective and safer alternative to discontinuous material haulage by dump trucks; reducing operating costs, improving safety, and reducing CO2 emissions, dust, and noise pollution. Mining activity in any area impacts the environment as well as the socio-economic set-up. Therefore, ensuring that the adverse impacts are minimized and the benefits from mining to the impacted community are optimized becomes critical for mining to be being carried out in a sustainable manner.

Mining industry in India has been progressing at an annual rate of 4% to 5% during the last three decades. I believe it is time for mineral development and mining to be given its long over-due recognition as a core industry as is the case in developed countries such as Australia, Canada and USA. Emphasis should be given on exploration to continuously augment the resource / reserve base of the country and harness the existing resources through scientific and sustainable mining including beneficiation technologies and focusing on zero waste mining. The mining industry has faced volatility in commodity prices in the recent past with several minerals showing a continued downward trend.

The outlook for the next six months do not appear optimistic either. This has led to pressures on margins and a renewed focus on performance improvement and cost efficiencies. About 92% of coal production is from opencast mining. Iron ore is almost entirely mined from surface mining methods as largely are bauxite, limestone and several other major minerals and most minor minerals. A trend in mining technology has also been towards addressing the concerns of climate change and hence, reducing carbon footprints. Usage of more energy-efficient equipment and reduction in consumption of diesel are attempts in the right direction.

Given the uncertainties in commodity markets and prices, mining companies need to consider flexibility of operations in their strategic mine planning. It essentially means being able to scale up or down production from mines depending upon the demand and pricing. Such flexibility in mining operations has a significant impact on selection of technology and equipment. The penetration of technology for production planning and operational scheduling is still lower in India compared with global usages. Indian mining operations, even today, are still very conventional with limited application of modern technology. There is greater need for flexibility in strategic planning and hence, the adoption of new technologies available is inevitable. Technologies for efficient production are available globally but they need investments in adaptation for Indian geological conditions.

One of the key challenges in technology adoption in India has been focus on short-term costs versus longer term realization of benefits. The new technologies, from mining methods to equipment to automation, need initial investments and they provide return on investments in varying lengths of payback periods. But essence of technology adoption is patience. The trends towards greater application of continuous mining systems, larger sized equipment and greater energy efficient systems are sure to continue, automation is likely to become a more spectacular change in India in the medium term.

Transporting ore and waste in the most economic, efficient and environmentally friendly way is critical to the operation of any open-pit mine. Operational costs, employee safety and CO2 emissions are challenges faced by most mines and quarries today. In-pit sizing and convey-ing (IPSC) is an alternative transport system which requires a higher initial investment but gives substantial saving in operating cost. IPSC is the proven technology for large open pit mines with high outputs & the preference should be given to the Proven Technology.

Web : www.mmdsizers.com