Following two years of deliberation, the method has been tailored to Indian coal mines. Credit: Mr. Tempter/Shutterstock.

The Indian Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) has conducted the country’s first trial blast for the dozer push mining method.

This method, which integrates advanced digital technologies, is designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency in mining processes.

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Carried out at the Adani Enterprises-operated Parsa East and Kanta Basan (PEKB) coal mine in the state of Chhattisgarh, the trial was facilitated by private mining company Adani Natural Resources.

The initiative is part of a project being sponsored by Dhanbad-based CSIR-CIMFR, focusing on a scientific study for designing deep hole cast blasting at the PEKB opencast coal mine.

The project’s goal was to create a mining method that optimises the process while controlling vibration and flyrock within safe limits.

Following two years of discussions and technical evaluation, the method has been tailored to Indian coal mines.

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The dozer push mining method employs unmanned, automated machinery. The trial involved drilling 108 holes using an automated drill machine (man-less), followed by cast/throw blasting with 60 tonnes of bulk emulsion explosives.

The blasted material is then pushed into the de-coaled area using a large-sized automated dozer machine.

The initial trial showcased successful drilling, charging operations, precise detonation with minimal environmental impact and effective material movement using automated machinery.

The second phase of the trial will include eight to ten additional trial blasts to further refine the blast design. The final recommendations will aim to optimise the method for broader implementation.

Designed as an alternative to traditional truck-shovel or shovel-dumper and dragline techniques, the new method offers distinct advantages such as faster coal recovery, reduced weather-related delays and a 7–10% reduction in operational costs.

Productivity is also enhanced by improving dragline machine utilisation and lowering unit costs.

A press statement from India’s Press Information Bureau reads: “The successful implementation of the Dozer Push Mining Method marks a significant advancement for the Indian mining industry. It underscores the potential for adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness in mining operations.

“This breakthrough is poised to revolutionise mining practices, making them more efficient, cost-effective and safer, ultimately setting a new benchmark in the industry.”

Last month, Adani Enterprises increased its stake in Gidhmuri Paturia Collieries Private Limited (GPCPL) to 100% by acquiring a 26% stake from Sainik Mining and Allied Services.

GPCPL was founded in March 2019 as a joint venture between Adani Enterprises and Sainik Mining and Allied Services Company, to carry out mining operations in Chhattisgarh, a state in India.