Chennai, March 2nd, 2024: In a strategic move towards reducing dependence on imported machinery and propelling domestic manufacturing, Shri Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, addressed a crucial stakeholder meeting in Chennai. He championed the “Make in India” initiative, advocating for its widespread adoption within the mining equipment sector, particularly for heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM) and underground mining equipment.
Secretary Meena provided a concise summary of the nationally transformative “Make in India” initiative. Launched by the government, this ambitious program aims to:
- Cultivate a conducive environment to attract investments and stimulate manufacturing sector growth, fostering a robust and globally competitive industrial landscape.
- Develop a modern and efficient infrastructure network to streamline logistics and resource movement, enabling seamless operations within the sector.
- Open up new sectors previously restricted to foreign capital, fostering collaboration and knowledge transfer between domestic and international entities. This collaborative approach aims to leverage global expertise while nurturing domestic capabilities.
- Transform India into a global manufacturing and export hub, leveraging its skilled workforce and strategic location to contribute significantly to the global supply chain.
Highlighting the critical role of the coal industry as a catalyst for the “Make in India” initiative, Shri Meena underscored several key areas:
- Infrastructure development: Investing in efficient logistics and resource movement infrastructure is crucial for streamlining operations within the sector. Modernized infrastructure will not only expedite coal transportation but also enhance overall operational efficiency.
- Technological innovation: Embracing cutting-edge technologies is essential for enhancing operational efficiency, safety standards, and environmental sustainability within the mining sector. This includes exploring and adopting innovative mining practices, such as automation and data-driven decision-making, to ensure responsible and sustainable resource extraction.
- Investment opportunities: Creating and nurturing investment opportunities that attract both domestic and international capital is necessary for fostering long-term growth and development. This approach requires a focus on streamlining regulatory processes, providing tax incentives, and creating a business-friendly environment to attract investors and stimulate the inflow of much-needed capital.
- Leveraging cutting-edge technologies to develop efficient and environmentally friendly mining equipment. This involves encouraging research and development in areas like electric and hybrid mining vehicles, as well as exploring the potential of automation and artificial intelligence to optimize operations.
- Promoting domestic manufacturing of mining equipment, reducing reliance on imports and creating job opportunities for the Indian workforce. This will not only contribute to economic growth but also develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting the evolving needs of the sector.
- Encouraging partnerships between established foreign manufacturers and domestic entities to transfer knowledge and expertise, fostering a mutually beneficial ecosystem. This collaborative approach will enable domestic players to learn from established players’ experience and expertise, accelerating the development of indigenous capabilities.
The Secretary directly addressed representatives from leading equipment manufacturers such as BEML, Caterpillar, Tata-Hitachi, Komatsu, L&T, Gainwell, and others. He encouraged these established players to establish manufacturing facilities within India, fostering partnerships with local entities in the process. This collaborative approach, he emphasized, would accelerate innovation and enhance overall productivity within the mining sector while also transferring valuable technical expertise to domestic manufacturers.
