Govt aims to curb high-capacity mining equipment imports, boost domestic production
1 min read . Updated: 15 May 2023, 02:20 PM IST
PremiumThe coal ministry has convened a multi-disciplinary high-level committee, featuring representation from various governmental branches and key industry players like BEML, Caterpillar, and Tata Hitachi
New Delhi: The government is taking steps to boost domestic manufacturing to slash reliance on imported high-capacity mining equipment, according to the Ministry of Coal.
In line with the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, promoting “Make in India", the ministry has convened a multi-disciplinary high-level committee, featuring representation from various governmental branches and key industry players like BEML, Caterpillar, and Tata Hitachi. Tasked with encouraging domestic production of heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM) and other underground mining gear, the committee is spearheaded by Coal India Limited’s (CIL) director (technical).
CIL, currently importing machinery worth approximately ₹3,500 crore and incurring ₹1,000 crore in customs duties, stands to benefit from reduced import reliance. The company has outlined a plan to phase out imports over a half-decade, nurturing domestic manufacturers’ capabilities. Alongside, CIL is working on standardizing mining equipment to facilitate the deployment of locally produced machinery in coal production, transportation, and monitoring.
Promotion of domestic manufacturing not only bolsters India’s industrial sector but also aligns with the tenets of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the Ministry stated. Increased production of HEMM is expected to drive economic growth while enhancing the reliability of equipment by reducing the breakdown period associated with imported machinery.
The ministry also endorsed the exploration of international collaborations and joint ventures with esteemed equipment manufacturers and the utilization of dormant government infrastructure facilities under the ‘Make in India’ initiatives.