Officials and senior officers from the Ministry of Coal and CIL joined the Minister at Bharat Mandapam for the inauguration.
Pavilion highlights: AI, VR and ICCC in focus
The CIL pavilion emphasises operational modernisation. Exhibits include demonstrations of opencast mining methods, the use of artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency and safety, and the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC) model deployed across CIL subsidiaries. A live virtual-reality (VR) demo offers immersive safety and operational training experiences for visitors.
Coal gasification and sustainable practices
A major segment of the display focuses on coal gasification — presented as a transitional, cleaner pathway for coal-based value chains alongside CSR-led ecological restoration and eco-tourism showcases. The pavilion frames coal gasification as a key enabler in India’s broader energy transition narrative.
Critical minerals: lithium and cobalt on CIL’s radar
CIL used the platform to outline strategic initiatives to secure critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt, both domestically and through overseas engagements. The move seeks to reduce import dependence for minerals essential to battery, EV and advanced manufacturing supply chains. Several industry reports and ministry statements note this diversification as central to India’s resource security plans.
Why the pavilion matters
IITF 2025 provides an opportunity for a public sector behemoth like CIL to engage directly with stakeholders — from industry partners to the general public — and to signal the company’s evolving role beyond coal extraction. Exhibits on AI, VR and command-and-control systems underline CIL’s intent to modernise operations and improve safety at scale.
Stakeholder engagement and transparency
The pavilion is also positioned as a transparency and outreach exercise: CIL and the Ministry of Coal aim to showcase how technology and strategic resource acquisition feed into national priorities such as energy security, self-reliance and industrial growth. Officials at the event stressed the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to deliver sustainable, secure energy supplies.
What’s next for CIL
As CIL highlights diversification into critical minerals and cleaner coal pathways, observers say execution — securing mineral assets, scaling new technologies and maintaining community and environmental safeguards — will determine the long-term impact of these plans. IITF provides a forum to gather feedback, attract partners and signal intent to investors and policymakers.
