IIT Roorkee and South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) have launched a project to create drones for surveillance of open-cast coal mines, signifying a significant stride in mine digitalization. Titled “Designing an Intelligent Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for real-time monitoring, Hazard Assessment, and Vulnerability Checks in open-cast minefields”, the initiative targets improved safety measures and live monitoring within coal mines.

Funded by I-HUB FOUNDATION FOR COBOTICS (IHFC) the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi, the project aims to address stock measurement challenges in open-cast mines using drone technology. The IIT Roorkee research team, led by robotics expert Prof. Dr. Pushparaj Mani Pathak along with Dr. Ashish Gupta and student Zounnoon Ali Shaaban, is developing a drone to assist surveyors in measuring coal or overburden stocks across different parts of the mine. Successful testing has already been conducted at SECL's Rajnagar and Amadand mines in respective areas.

The integration of drones in coal mining stands to revolutionize the industry by enhancing production, efficiency, logistics, and safety. Drones offer precise monitoring during blasting activities, improving safety measures by closely tracking rock and material movements. The team highlighted the drones' potential to minimize accidents and address false claims during blasting. Moreover, drones can serve as a means to deliver essential items like medicines or food during emergencies. This technological advancement aligns with SECL's broader digital transformation strategy under Coal India’s “Project Digicoal”, incorporating various digital solutions such as the "Suraksha Kavach" SOS device, drone-based surveys, a technology-driven learning platform, and the Land Acquisition Management System (LAMS).