Why in News?
Recently, India has successfully conducted the 1st trial blast of the Dozer Push Mining Method.
- Dozer Push Mining – It is a cutting-edge technological solution that integrates advanced digital technologies to revolutionise coal extraction processes.
- It is a viable alternative to the conventional truck-shovel mining technique or shovel-dumper and dragline methods.
Truck-Shovel (TS) systems are the most common mining system used to remove the upper and thinner overburdens found within a deposit. Dragline methods remove the much deeper overburdens.
- Trial in – Parsa East and Kete Basen (PEKB) Coal Mine in Chhattisgarh by Adani Natural Resources.
- Developed by – Dhanbad based CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR).
- Objective – To ensure the vibration and flyrock which are controlled within safe limits.
- Key technical innovation - Automated drilling process with unmanned operations.
- Precise cast/throw blasting techniques for optimal material displacement.
- Automated dozer for efficient material movement.
- Integration of advanced digital technology for operational oversight.
- Trial – It involved drilling of 108 holes using automated drill machine, followed bycast/throw blasting using 60 tons of bulk emulsion explosives.
- The blasted material will be pushed in decoaled area using specially designed, large-sized automated dozer machine.
- Benefits – Faster coal recovery rates, accelerating project timelines.
- Reduced weather-related production delays, ensuring consistent output.
- Enhanced dragline machine utilisation, maximising equipment efficiency.
- 7-10% reduction in operational costs and lower unit production costs, improving competitiveness in the market.
Reference
PIB| 1st Trial Blast of Dozer Push Mining Method in India
