Experts discuss emerging challenges in mining sector

Varanasi: A two-day national workshop on ‘Current Problems & Constraints in the Mining Industries’ commenced at the department of Mining Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, on Friday. The workshop is being jointly organised by the department and the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Dhanbad.Welcoming the delegates and participants, head of the department, Prof Rajesh Rai, highlighted the importance of collaborative discussions to address emerging challenges in the mining sector.Convener of the workshop from IIT-BHU, Prof Suprakash Gupta, delivered the opening remarks and emphasized the need for sustainable and technology-driven mining practices. Deputy director general and convener from DGMS, Niraj Kumar, underlined the importance of mine-safety and regulatory compliance in modern mining operations.Delivering the address, director general, directorate general of mines safety (DGMS), Ujjwal Tah, stressed the significance of technological intervention, occupational safety, and policy reforms in addressing current constraints in mining industries.Director, IIT-BHU, Prof Amit Patra, stated that the workshop would serve as a valuable platform for interaction among industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and academicians for developing innovative and sustainable solutions for the mining sector. He also highlighted the institute’s commitment towards research and technological advancement in mining and allied industries.Technical Session-I was coordinated by Prof NC Karmakar and Rahul Upadhyay. The session featured keynote lectures by DDG, DGMS, Dhanbad Niraj Kumar and chief manager, Coal India Limited, Debdulal Sarkar followed by a panel discussion involving experts from industry-Mahesh Pimprimule, KPMG, SS Soni, director (Mining), Ajmer and academia.Technical Session-II was coordinated by Prof A Jamal and Dr Amrendra Kumar and included keynote lectures by Ujjwal Tah, DG, DGMS, Dhanbad and Samir Kumar Kundu, GM (Mining), Northern Coalfields Limited.Later, participants visited Assi Ghat and witnessed the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening.The second day of the workshop will begin with Technical Session-III coordinated by Prof P Rai and Prof GSP Singh. The session will feature keynote lecture by retired IOCL official Manish Sinha, followed by an expert panel discussion.