BEML is indigenously developing latest technology mining equipment and also upgrading the existing equipment with advanced features.
M.V. Rajasekhar Director (Mining & Construction) – BEML Mining is one of the key sectors which contribute immensely for infrastructure and helps develop economies. What do you think is the current market for
– M.V. Rajasekhar
Director (Mining & Construction) – BEML
Mining is one of the key sectors which contribute immensely for infrastructure and helps develop economies. What do you think is the current market for mining equipment in India?
The current market requirement for mining equipment is encouraging; the demand for power is ever increasing due to various development activities in the country. Coal India Limited the major producer of Coal in India plans to achieve 1 Billion Tonnes of Coal target by 2023-24.
In addition to above, the Government infrastructure development plans further driving the demand for Iron and Steel, Cement, Copper and Aluminum sectors; which in turn is driving the demand for mining equipment.
Government of India has set a target of $5 trillion economy by 2024-25. With the above, there is an increasing demand for mining equipment and is likely to further grow in the future.
Which equipment do you think are the demand drivers in the mining sector and how geared up are you to meet this demand surge?
The type and capacity requirement of mining equipment will depend upon various factors; planned production capacity of mine, overburden to be removed, mining method adopted, etc.
As the demand for coal is increasing mining companies are planning for bigger mines with higher coal production. This requires deployment of higher capacity mining equipment to achieve the targeted production. The higher capacity mining equipment generally planned are:
- Rope Shovels: 20 & 40 cum Bucket Capacity
- Dragline: 24 m³ Bucket
- Dump Trucks: 150T, 190T, 240T Payload Capacity
- Hydraulic Excavators (Diesel/Electric): 180T Class
- Bulldozer: 850 HP Class
To meet the market demand, is has indigenously developing and manufacturing the following higher capacity mining equipment with latest technologies:
- BH150E Electric Dump Truck with 136 MT (150T) payload
- BH205E Electric Dump Truck with 186 MT (205T) payload
- Environmentally friendly BE1800E Electric Hydraulic Excavator (180 T class)
- BE1800D Hydraulic Excavator (180 T class)
- BD475-2 Bulldozer (850 HP class)
These higher capacity mining equipment are deployed in the field under trial / regular orders and are working satisfactorily.
Further, electrically driven mining equipment; Rope Shovel & Dragline which are environmentally friendly and which reduces carbon prints are under development. This is in line with Government policy of “Make in India” and vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
Technologies are changing mining industry`s future. What are the latest technological trends in your range of mining equipment?
Customer prefers advanced technology equipment which has superior features, gives higher productivity, safety and reliability.
As per the market feedback and suitability of equipment for local conditions; BEML is indigenously developing latest technology mining equipment and also upgrading the existing equipment with advanced features.
Some of the latest technologies trends on mining equipment include;
- Electronic engines with data logging system.
- AC drives system for electric dump trucks which is latest technology, more reliable and has longer life.
- Environmental friendly Electric Hydraulic Excavators for Mining application – Driven by Electric Motors.
- On board payload system for dumpers.
- Safety features: Operator fatigue monitoring system, Auto Dipping System, Electronic type proximity avoidance system, Front and Rear View Camera, Anti Collision Device and Blind Spot Mirrors.
What are the key maintenance practices to be followed for the upkeep of mining equipment?
Optimized planned preventive and predictive maintenance systems to be adopted to avoid downtime, delays and incidents that ultimately lead to significant financial losses. Proper maintenance of equipment is an important step to attain the mining goals.
Following maintenance practices are generally adopted for the upkeep of Mining equipment:
- Periodic maintenance as per manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Preventive maintenance based on analysis and finding during periodical
- Maintenance.
- Predictive maintenance based on previous experience and data to reduce breakdowns and cost.
- Reactive Maintenance based on trouble and breakdown.
- Failure analysis and adopting the findings to avoid similar failures on other equipment.
- Regular oil analysis to know the present condition of major Components/Assemblies and to avoid major failures in future (CBM).
Proper and timely maintenance of mining equipment will enhance the life of the sub-assemblies which in turn reduces the operating cost of equipment and increase the availability and productivity of equipment.
What are the challenges as a major player you face and what are your suggestions to iron out these challenges in the mining equipment space?
Presently, the major challenge faced is Covid-19 pandemic; there is an effect on supply chain, logistics and irregular business pattern. Advance planning is the strategy adopted to iron out this challenge.
Increase in input cost, due to increase in steel & other commodity prices.
Technology upgradation is at very faster rate; adopting latest technology is increasing input cost due to imports. BEML with its world class R&D set up is indigenously developing latest technology mining equipment to meet the market requirements.
Skill development is also a major challenge. Regular training programs to our own and customer maintenance officials are being regularly planned to overcome this challenge.
Market shift from thermal power to renewable energy.
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