Odisha Journalists Visit Gevra Mine to Witness Large-Scale Coal Production and Modern Mining Technology
Korba, Chhattisgarh: On the third day of the inter-state media exposure tour in Chhattisgarh, a delegation of journalists from Odisha visited South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) Gevra mine in Korba district on Tuesday. The journalists witnessed large-scale coal production operations and gained first-hand insights into modern mining technology, safety protocols and coal transportation systems.
The delegation was welcomed at the Gevra mine by SECL General Manager Sanjay Mishra and General Manager (Operations) Dheeraj Chaudhary.
Highlighting the importance of coal to India’s development, Sanjay Mishra said coal continues to play a significant role in meeting the country’s energy requirements. From fuel used for cooking to supplying energy to engines and industrial units, coal remains an important component of the energy sector, he said.
Dheeraj Chaudhary briefed the visiting journalists about the operations of the Gevra mine, coal production processes, safety measures and operational practices adopted to ensure safe and efficient mining. He also explained the technological and managerial interventions being implemented to improve productivity while maintaining high safety standards.
During the visit, the journalists entered the mining area and observed various operations at close range. They were introduced to high-capacity mining equipment and the processes involved in coal extraction, removal of overburden and rock layers, coal handling and transportation.
The delegation was informed that Gevra mine produced 5.91 crore tonnes of coal during 2023-24 and ranked as the world’s second-largest open-cast coal mine. The mine supplies coal to seven states and contributes around six per cent of India’s total coal production.
The journalists were also briefed on the use of surface miners, ripper technology and shovel-dumper combinations in mining operations. They were further informed about digital interventions being implemented under Project DigiCoal to strengthen production monitoring and improve operational efficiency.
Speaking about SECL’s future production plans, Dheeraj Chaudhary said the company is moving towards becoming the world’s largest coal-producing company next year.
He also highlighted the role of conveyor systems and rapid loading silos under the First Mile Connectivity initiative in making coal evacuation more efficient. These systems are aimed at improving the movement of coal from mines and reducing dependence on conventional transportation and loading processes.
The media delegation was also briefed about SECL’s environmental protection initiatives. These include afforestation, plantation using the Miyawaki method, dust suppression, mine-water management and land reclamation.
The initiatives were presented as part of SECL’s efforts to maintain environmental balance alongside mining operations.
The media exposure tour was facilitated by Manmohan Padhi, Assistant Director, Central Bureau of Communication, Sambalpur, and Vikas Ranjan Dalai, Information Assistant, Press Information Bureau, Bhubaneswar. Both officials accompanied the journalist delegation throughout the visit and coordinated the programme.
