Context: Recently, the CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) has successfully conducted the first trial blast for the Dozer Push Mining Method, integrating advanced digital technologies, for the first time in India. 

About 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.