Power generation from coal or lignite should be through innovative ways to enhance efficiency and bring down the cost, making the fuel source cleaner and more competitive, Rakesh Kumar, CMD, NLC India Ltd, said.
In his presidential address at a two-day national mining seminar on “Sustainable coal or lignite mining scenario: technology, issues and approach”, hosted by NLCIL at Neyveli, Mr. Kumar pointed out that the demand for power had been increasing and it was essential for economic development.
At present, coal or lignite accounted for 65% of power generation. Keeping in view the environmental issues and rising costs, there should be added thrust on exploring innovative methods to raise efficiency and lower the costs going forward, he said.
M.P. Narayanan, former CMD NLCIL and Coal India Ltd, spoke.
Productivity standards
He expressed his concern over the productivity standard, implementation of artificial intelligence, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT).
The messages from Haribai Parthibhai Chaudhary, Minister of State for Mines and Coal, was read out by V. Thangapandian, director (power), and the message by Sumanta Chaudhari, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, was read out by R.Vikraman, director (HR). Mr. Narayanan later released an e-souvenir to mark the occasion.
Hemant Kumar, executive director (mines); Prabhakar Chowki, director (mines); and T. Venkata Subramanian, CVO, were present.
The seminar attracted 250 delegates. An exhibition on mining, including excavation, reclamation was organised.