Dozer Push Mining Trial

Why in News?

Recently, India has successfully conducted the 1^st 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| 1^st Trial Blast of Dozer Push Mining Method in India