With over a century of global experience in this challenging industry, Komatsu prioritizes safety above all else

Divy Pachori
Product Manager, UGSR India, Komatsu

What are the key safety features integrated into your equipment? What new advancements have been introduced in your equipment to enhance operator safety?

We are constantly making Underground coal mining more productive, easier and safer for all. Our effort is to take the operator further away from harm zone. With the new two way remote, operator can now operate the continuous miner   further away from a 30m distance, they don’t have to be part of dust and noise surrounding around the machine and can see cutter drum position and feedback on the remote itself. In addition to this, the online connected miners can be monitored from surface, the maintenance crew is not required to be present always inside the mine or near the machine to get the pulse of the machine.

Since the inception of the first Continuous Miner technology in India, Komatsu is pioneer in introducing the products with world class technology to enhance safety & boost productivity and yet again even after more than two decades we are again transforming the Indian mining industry.

How do you ensure compliance with national and international safety standards in your equipment?

Underground coal mining, inherently hazardous, demands stringent and often region-specific regulatory compliance. With over a century of global experience in this challenging industry, Komatsu prioritizes safety above all else. Our products not only meet these rigorous standards but exceed them, incorporating best-in-class safety features from around the world. Komatsu is committed to partnering with customers and regulatory bodies to continuously raise the bar for safety practices, positioning India as a global leader in advanced and safe mining.

How does your company incorporate automation and digital technologies (such as telematics, AI, and IoT) to improve equipment safety?

We continue developing innovative technologies that makes our machines super easy to operate. For example, our continuous miners are equipped with automation feature that simplifies the cutting process, allowing operators to execute this critical task with greater ease and precision. The machine can autonomously follow the pre-defined cutting sequence until a change in conditions requires operator intervention. It maximizes equipment utilization, optimized performance, reduce downtime and increasing overall productivity.

What safety protocols and practices does your equipment manufacturing facility implement to ensure a secure working environment?

At Komatsu, safety is our paramount priority. We believe it is the responsibility of everyone at all levels, hence Komatsu provides ‘Stop Work Authority’ to each one of us if we see the unsafe activity anywhere. To always realize safety and to appreciate the effects it creates, we distribute safety coins to all our employees. Our expanded Nagpur facility, which manufactures underground equipment, is certified to the global QAR/QAN standard, ensuring consistency in both our processes and our output throughout the world.