Advanced Electro-Hydraulic Face Shovel Inaugurated at Asia’s Largest Coal Mine in Chhattisgarh
Korba, Chhattisgarh: In a major step towards strengthening modern, safe and high-efficiency coal mining operations, India’s first 21 CuM capacity electro-hydraulic face shovel has been commissioned at South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)’s Gevra Mega Project in Korba district of Chhattisgarh.
The state-of-the-art mining machine was inaugurated by SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Shri Harish Duhan at the Gevra Project. Gevra is recognised as Asia’s largest coal mine, and the commissioning of this advanced shovel is expected to provide a significant boost to the project’s coal production capacity, productivity and operational efficiency.
Advanced Technology for Higher Productivity
The newly commissioned 21 CuM electro-hydraulic face shovel represents a significant advancement in large-scale mining technology. With an annual production capacity of approximately 5.31 million cubic metres, the machine is expected to play an important role in enhancing the material-handling and coal production capabilities of the Gevra Mega Project.
The deployment of the machine is aligned with SECL’s efforts to adopt advanced mining technologies, improve operational efficiency and strengthen safety standards across its major mining operations.
Equipped with Advanced Safety Features
The shovel has been designed with several operator-centric and advanced safety features to ensure safer and more efficient working conditions. These include a 360-degree camera system, which provides enhanced visibility around the machine and assists the operator in monitoring the surrounding working area.
The machine is also equipped with an Operator Fatigue Monitoring System, aimed at improving safety by monitoring operator alertness during operations. Other important features include an air-suspension seat and adjustable joysticks, designed to provide greater comfort and ergonomic support to the operator during prolonged mining operations.
For safer access and movement around the machine, it has been provided with hydraulic access stairs. The shovel also features a gas-based fire suppression system, providing an additional layer of protection in the event of a fire.
The operator cabin is FOPS-compliant, providing enhanced protection against falling objects and contributing to a safer operating environment.
Integration with Fleet Management System
A key technological feature of the newly commissioned shovel is its integration with SECL’s Fleet Management System (FMS). This enables real-time monitoring of machine performance and operational efficiency.
Through the FMS integration, operational parameters can be monitored more effectively, helping in better utilisation of the equipment, performance assessment and optimisation of mining operations. Such digital monitoring is expected to contribute towards improved equipment productivity, operational planning and overall mine efficiency.
Boost to Gevra’s Production Capacity
The commissioning of the high-capacity shovel is expected to further strengthen the production capabilities of the Gevra Mega Project. With an estimated annual production capacity of around 5.31 million cubic metres, the machine will add significant capacity to the project’s mining fleet.
The deployment is particularly important for a large-scale operation such as Gevra, where the use of high-capacity, technologically advanced mining equipment is essential for maintaining productivity while ensuring safety and operational reliability.
The commissioning also reflects SECL’s continued focus on mechanisation, technological innovation and modernisation of mining operations.
Senior Officials Present
SECL Director (Technical, Planning & Projects) Shri Ramesh Chandra Mahapatra was also present during the commissioning ceremony.
AGM Shri Sanjay Mishra, along with senior officers, officials and employees of the Gevra Project, attended the event.
The commissioning of India’s first 21 CuM electro-hydraulic face shovel marks another important milestone in SECL’s journey towards technology-driven, safer and more productive coal mining. The advanced machine is expected to contribute significantly to the production, productivity, safety and operational efficiency of the Gevra Mega Project in the coming years.
Source: Public Relations Officer, SECL
