India’s mining industry is undergoing a significant shift, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and automation.

Anuj Keoliya
Senior Vice President - Surface Mining, GMMCO

How is the mining industry evolving in the next five years?

India is uniquely positioned to capitalize on its cost advantages in mineral production, driven by strong economic growth and increasing demand from core industries. With robust government policies, an expanding infrastructure sector, and a rising energy need, the demand for metals and minerals is set to surge.

As India moves toward its ambitious goal of a USD 5 trillion economy, mining will play a crucial role in meeting the demands of industrial expansion. Coal, iron ore, and other critical minerals will witness heightened exploration and extraction. Gmmco, with its deep-rooted expertise and commitment to delivering integrated solutions, is poised to support this growth with cutting-edge mining equipment, automation, and customer-centric services. Our strong network and industry insights place us at the forefront of India’s mining evolution.

What key trends are shaping the demand for mining equipment?

India’s mining industry is undergoing a significant shift, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and automation. Companies today are not just seeking machines—they are looking for sustainable, cost-effective solutions that ensure long-term productivity.

At Gmmco, we understand that Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is paramount for our customers. We help optimize fleet utilization, minimize downtime, and improve operator safety. Our focus on “Safely Home, Everyone, Every Day” aligns with our commitment to advanced safety standards. Autonomous haulage systems, real-time fleet monitoring, and data-driven maintenance semi-autonomous operations, alternate fuels are becoming the new norm, and Gmmco is leading the charge in implementing these advancements for our customers.

What advancements in mining equipment technology is Gmmco focusing on?

Gmmco is at the forefront of transforming mining operations through automation and digitalization. Our focus is on enhancing operational efficiency with real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and machine intelligence. Some of our key offerings include:

VisionLink & MineStar EDGE: Connected, scalable fleet management tools offering near real-time insights.

Truck Payload Monitoring System (TPMS) & Road Analysis Control (RAC): Technologies designed to maximize fleet utilization and reduce operational inefficiencies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Predictive Analytics: Leveraging machine learning to optimize equipment life cycle and minimize downtime.

A significant step towards autonomous mining is the D11 Tractor with SATS technology, a revolutionary leap in precision mining. As Caterpillar’s trusted partner, Gmmco ensures that our customers get access to the latest global innovations, with localized expertise and on-ground support.

What challenges does the mining equipment industry face today?

Despite technological advancements, several challenges persist in India’s mining sector:

Skill Gaps: The industry faces a shortage of highly trained professionals.

Operational Safety: Mines need to integrate world-class safety measures.

Aging Equipment: Many operations still rely on outdated machinery.

Land Acquisition Issues: Delays in securing land for expansion remain a bottleneck.

Sustainability Pressures: Decarbonization is a priority, but it must be balanced with profitability.

Adapting to technology: Gmmco’s expertise lies in helping customers navigate these challenges. By focusing on TCO-driven solutions, we empower mining companies to make investments that deliver long-term value.

How is Gmmco addressing sustainability in mining equipment?

At Gmmco, sustainability is not just a corporate goal—it is an operational imperative. We are driving environmental compliance and eco-friendly mining practices through:

Biofuel-compatible engines & LNG kit solutions: Reducing carbon footprints.

Rebuild programs: Extending the life cycle of equipment and promoting circular economy principles.

Battery-powered equipment: Currently in pilot stages for large-scale adoption.

Advanced emissions control technologies: Ensuring compliance with the latest environmental regulations.

By integrating sustainability with high-performance equipment, Gmmco helps mining companies stay ahead of regulatory requirements while maintaining profitability.

Which segments of the mining industry offer the most growth potential?

Coal will remain central to India’s energy security, with production expected to exceed 1.5 billion tonnes in the next three to five years. Additionally, the Government of India’s 300 million tonne steel production target by 2030 will drive a significant uptick in iron ore demand. Other critical minerals like bauxite, limestone, and rare earth elements are also experiencing increased demand, fuelled by infrastructure and industrial growth.

Gmmco, with its strong presence in mining and infrastructure, is well-positioned to support companies in these high-growth segments. Our ability to provide customized solutions tailored to specific mineral extraction needs makes us the preferred partner for many leading mining operations. 

What do mining companies expect when choosing equipment, and how does Gmmco ensure reliability and cost-efficiency?

Mining companies today demand more than just equipment—they need integrated solutions that ensure efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. At Gmmco, we meet these expectations through:

Lower total cost of ownership Availability of equipment: To maximise utilization by offering dedicated on-site support – Our engineers and technicians work alongside customers to maximize uptime.

Custom-designed work tools: Tailored buckets, bodies, and attachments for optimal performance.

Utilization-based contracts: Customers pay based on actual machine usage, ensuring cost efficiency. With a proven track record of millions of safe operating hours across diverse mining conditions, Gmmco’s solutions are synonymous with reliability and performance.

What major developments or product launches can we expect from Gmmco in 2025?

As Caterpillar celebrates 100 years globally and over 50 years in India, Gmmco is reinforcing its commitment to innovation and local manufacturing.

A key highlight is the production of large mining trucks for Coal India from our Tiruvallur facility, Chennai supporting the government’s “Make in India” vision.

With strategic investments in digital transformation, sustainable equipment solutions, and next-generation automation, Gmmco is not just keeping pace with the future of mining—we are shaping it.