Cutting-edge safety technologies demonstrated at Jamkani mines on National Coal Miners’ Day
By Subrat Sarangi
Bhubaneswar, May 3: On National Coal Miners’ Day, Vedanta Group, India’s largest aluminium producer, showcased state-of-the-art safety innovations at its Jamkani coal mines in Odisha’s Sundargarh district. The company demonstrated a suite of smart mining technologies designed to elevate workforce safety and operational efficiency.
Vedanta Aluminium CEO Rajiv Kumar reaffirmed the company’s commitment to a Zero-Harm culture, stating, “Safety and well-being of our workforce is a non-negotiable priority. On Coal Miners’ Day, we’re proud to lead AI and technology-driven innovations that redefine mining safety and reflect our commitment to smart, secure, and sustainable operations.”
Among the highlights was the deployment of an AI-powered, drone-based surveillance system for real-time monitoring of the 500-meter blasting zone. The system automatically detects humans, animals, and vehicles, issues instant alerts for unauthorized access, and enables live streaming, ensuring swift corrective action. It also features two-way audio communication between officials, drone pilots, and blasting officers, enhancing coordination and response times.
The company has also piloted drone-based stockpile volumetric analysis at Jamkani, delivering comprehensive reports within 12 hours — a significant improvement over traditional methods, reducing risks by eliminating the need for personnel in hazardous areas.
Further strengthening safety, Vedanta introduced a driver fatigue monitoring system that provides real-time alerts for drowsiness, mobile phone use, and other distractions. This first-line defense against accidents is complemented by a proximity-based collision avoidance system, which detects vehicle blind spots and issues instant warnings to operators.
Additionally, the company is trialing an AI-powered safety non-compliance detection system using smart CCTV to flag real-time violations, further enhancing on-site vigilance.
These initiatives, aligned with the Mines Act, 1952, reflect Vedanta Aluminium’s proactive approach to fostering a safe, future-ready workforce while setting new benchmarks in mining safety practices.
