To make operations safer and more productive, we emphasize the usage of large-capacity HEMMs across various mines.

Anuj Keoliya, Senior Vice President, GMMCO

What specific goals and priorities are you aiming to achieve during IME 2023?

With rapid urbanization and industrialization, Indian GDP is growing, and so is its mineral consumption. India holds an advantage in terms of the availability of certain minerals and access to cheaper manpower, yet it has remained dependent on imports. The Government of India (GOI) has taken various steps to reduce import dependency and make the sector ‘Atmanirbhar.’ There has been a continued focus on building an ecosystem that fosters economic growth by encouraging international manufacturing companies to invest in India.

Caterpillar has been in India for more than 50 years. The recent establishment of a Large Mining Truck assembly line in Tiruvallur, India, re-emphasizes Caterpillar’s commitment to invest and grow in India. It’s worth mentioning that the initial encouragement, in terms of orders, has come from none other than Coal India Limited (CIL), the world’s single largest producer of coal. This is only the 2nd facility outside the USA and serves global requirements, speaking volumes about Indian quality standards.

Gmmco, being the Caterpillar dealership in India, offers the broadest line of mining equipment in the industry. Backed by our long presence in the industry, knowledge, expertise, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, we are serving all leading names in the Indian mining industry. Regardless of the size, type, or complexity of the operation, our goal is to help customers optimize their equipment, personnel, and overall operation.

This IME 2023, we will be emphasizing, “What can we achieve together?”

Our aim is to help our customers get the maximum return on their investments. We strive to interact with them and other industry-leading practitioners and experts to understand their underlying needs, enabling us to serve them better.

We understand that managing your equipment involves various complexities. That’s why we offer mining services, support, and solutions that simplify every step of the process. Extend the lifespan of your equipment and stay ahead of downtime with various Customer Value Agreements (CVAs), repair options, rebuilds, equipment health monitoring, and more.

Can you provide insights into the range of products you intend to showcase at IME 2023?

In our commitment to create a better and safer workplace, this year, we are all set to showcase technology-enabled solutions along with an emphasis on safety training and awareness.

The operator is the last but most important person in the value chain. They are the ones who execute and bring the entire plan into action. We prioritize productivity with safety, and to demonstrate this, we are placing an equipment simulator with the aim of providing a safe, hands-on experience for learners. This simulator replicates heavy equipment operations using the same controls and machine applications found on real-world worksites. In a simulated environment, operational staff can perform exercises and learn from their mistakes without posing any harm to themselves, other assets, or the training site, all while gaining knowledge and confidence. Simulation training can significantly reduce the risk of errors and accidents for operators.

In addition, we will provide details on Caterpillar’s product portfolio, digital solutions, and a range of other offerings that bring together the right people, products, technologies, and services to meet the needs of the mining industry. To make operations safer and more productive, we will advocate for the usage of large-capacity HEMMs across various mines.

How do you intend to assess the performance and outcomes of your business for the fiscal year 2023-24?

To make operations safer and more productive, we emphasize the usage of large-capacity HEMMs across various mines. We are witnessing visible signs of the industry transitioning to larger equipment, whether it’s dumpers, dozers, graders, or loading tools. The adoption rate for high-capacity equipment will be one of the leading indicators.

Furthermore, “On the Iron” initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity, boosting physical availability, and incorporating digital solutions can serve as another yardstick for our progress.

Our focus is on continuously delivering the lowest cost per ton, which is sustainable in the long run, and helping our valued customers exceed their performance targets. This is what gives purpose to our work.

We provide tailored and scalable solutions to help our customers succeed. We are committed to providing an action plan that addresses the unique challenges of their business, and we assist our customers in executing it. We stand ready to work alongside our customers to solve problems and be a partner in your performance, helping you optimize your equipment, your people, and your overall operation.

We are already executing many such contracts in Indian mining, and our focus is to ensure that our contributions count, whether it’s supplying and supporting large indigenous mining trucks, offering utilization-based contracts, or providing digital solutions.

What is your perspective on the anticipated market dynamics in the mining equipment sector?

Technological advancements and innovations are expected to drive growth in the mining machinery industry. The use of telematics in the mining industry is already demonstrating visible success and is expected to be a game-changer.

In terms of equipment sizing and selection, the industry is embracing the philosophy that “Bigger is Better” and is gradually transitioning towards high-capacity equipment with cutting-edge technology, the latest features, and controls, with a strong emphasis on safety.

Being prepared to offer customized solutions that meet the ever-growing and evolving customer demands is a practice we continuously uphold. As a Caterpillar dealership, we are ready to contribute to the digital revolution with a plethora of options. These dynamic data management tools enable you to go beyond data and turn insights into actions. They guide you in making the right decisions, allowing you to improve the reliability of your mining equipment, reduce unplanned downtime, and prevent failures that can lead to lost productivity and costly machine repairs.

We are confident that by embracing digital solutions, one can expect a safer, more productive, and more efficient operation.

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