South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is shaking up India’s coal mining landscape by becoming the first state-owned coal company to implement paste fill technology for underground mining. This bold move is more than just a technological upgrade; it’s a paradigm shift towards sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices. The initiative promises to redefine how coal is extracted in areas with surface constraints, all while minimizing environmental impact.
SECL’s partnership with TMC Mineral Resources Private Limited, valued at a staggering ₹7040 crore, underscores the company’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies that meet modern environmental standards. This collaboration is set to transform the Singhali underground coal mine in the Korba area into a beacon of sustainable mining. Over the next 25 years, this long-term project aims to produce approximately 8.4 million tonnes of coal, highlighting its strategic importance for India’s energy security.
Paste fill technology is not just a buzzword; it’s a game-changer. Unlike traditional methods that often require surface land acquisition and can cause land subsidence, paste fill technology offers a more sustainable alternative. The process involves extracting coal from underground seams and filling the resulting voids with a specially engineered paste. This paste, a mix of fly ash, crushed overburden from opencast mines, cement, water, and binding chemicals, hardens to provide structural support to the surrounding rock mass. The benefits are clear: prevention of land subsidence, elimination of the need for surface land acquisition, utilization of industrial waste materials, enhanced mine safety, and a reduced environmental footprint.
The Singhali mine, with its rich history and operational constraints, serves as the perfect testbed for this technology. The mine’s surface area is densely occupied by villages, high-tension electricity lines, and a Public Works Department road, making traditional caving methods unfeasible. Paste fill technology offers a solution, enabling mining activities to proceed without disturbing surface infrastructure. This could unlock coal reserves previously considered inaccessible, potentially revitalizing dormant mining assets across the country.
The environmental and economic implications of this project are profound. With a total investment of ₹7040 crore, SECL is betting big on green mining technologies. The initiative aims to enhance coal production while significantly reducing the environmental footprint. By utilizing fly ash and overburden material, the technology addresses persistent environmental concerns and promotes better waste management practices. Economically, it enhances energy security and creates employment opportunities.
SECL’s move is not just about technology; it’s about leadership and vision. As SECL CMD Shri Harish Duhan puts it, “I firmly believe that paste fill technology will not only secure the future of underground mining but also offer an innovative, eco-friendly solution. This project is a landmark step toward green mining and will shape the future of the coal industry in the years to come.” This vision suggests that paste fill technology could become a standard practice in India’s mining industry, positioning SECL at the forefront of sustainable mining practices.
The adoption of paste fill technology by SECL is a wake-up call for the industry. It challenges the status quo and sparks debate about the future of mining in India. As the sector grapples with balancing resource extraction with environmental responsibility, SECL’s initiative offers a compelling case for embracing innovation. The success of this project could inspire other mining companies to follow suit, driving a wave of sustainable practices across the industry. The question now is, who will be the next to step up and challenge the norms? The future of mining in India is at a crossroads, and SECL has just taken a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable path.
