Product Development
The trend in underground mining is towards mechanisation & automation
Published
7 years agoon
By
admin
Epiroc covers a wide range of underground equipment needs with production and face drill rigs, loaders and trucks. Having production plants located at Sweden, China and India, Epiroc helps to maximise customers’ output with safe, cost-effective and sustainable solutions. Anirban Sen, Business Line Manager – Underground Rock Excavation, Epiroc Mining India, elaborates more.
What is the current scenario of underground mining in India? Which are the minerals mined by underground mining?
The Indian mining sector contributes around 3 per cent of the GDP. All major underground metal mining companies are bracing for challenges such as rapid increase in production with mechanisation and cost reduction. Exploration is being carried out at various locations in the country to identify new mineral reserves. The projected demand of copper due to electric vehicles is expected to increase by 1.7 mt by 2027. With 0.66 mt of refined copper consumption in 2017-18 and the current consumption growth rate at 6-8 per cent and the additional demand of 1.7 mt from copper-intensive electric vehicles – the total demand for copper is projected at 2.6-2.7 mt by 2023-24.
The industry estimates suggest at 5-6 per cent annual growth of zinc demand in the coming years. For lead, growth in automobile sector is the major driving factor. Around 75 per cent of the lead consumed in India is accounted by the lead battery segment. According to the second Automotive Mission Plan 2016-26 (AMP 20126), the Indian automotive industry is expected to grow to $300 billion by 2026, thus driving the demand for lead in the country.
Major minerals mined in underground mining in India are zinc, silver, copper, gold, manganese, chromite and uranium.
Which are the major equipment used in underground mining applications?
Epiroc has been a leading supplier of mining and rock excavation equipment. Our dedication to keeping work productive and safe is shown in our development and manufacture of quality rock drills, face drilling and production drilling rigs, underground loaders and trucks, electric/battery haul loaders and trucks, ventilation systems and digging arm loaders.
Could you elaborate on your range of equipment for underground mining? Who are your major customers?
We have the complete range of equipment for underground mining. Boomers for face drilling: Our face drilling rigs, Boomers, are used for blast hole drilling in underground mining applications. The small and medium rigs are equipped with up to two booms covering cross sections from 6 sq m to 104 sq m. We offer with our reliable Direct Control System (DCS) or with the computerised Rig Control System (RCS) to which different levels of automated may be added. Our extensive range of rock drills is available from 16 kW to 30 kW of impact power.
Simbas for production drilling: Our long-hole production drilling rigs, Simbas, are used for production drilling in underground mining applications. With a variety of feed lengths, positioning configurations, rock drills and an extensive options program, we offer the optimum long-hole drilling rig for every application. The computerised RCS offers different levels of automation. You can add options such as bit changer, a collar pipe installer, or even multi-hole automatic drilling. The tele-remote function provides an edge in safety when drilling and utilising the machine.
Boltecs for rock reinforcement: Our rock bolting rigs, Boltecs, are used for rock bolting in mining applications. Our range includes models suitable for roof heights from 1.6 to 13 m. Features include a screen handling arm for installation of wire mesh, the computerised RCS for positioning, drilling and bolting and our hydraulic rock drills which are specially designed for bolt hole drilling. Other features are: automatic resin injection, automatic cement system, both plan navigation and lift and tilt cabin.
Cabletecs for rock reinforcement: Our cable bolting rigs, Cabletecs, are fully mechanised for long-hole drilling and cable bolting in underground mining operations. Its unique two-boom concept makes it possible for single operator to drill and install cable simultaneously. The rig is capable if installing cable bolts up to 25 m.
Raise boring machines: Our range of raise boring machines includes models for both conventional raise and box-hole boring as well as down reaming and covers diameter 0.5 m to 6 m. The raise boring machines are used for mining applications for drilling shafts for ventilation, drainage, ore passes, back fills, hoisting and slot holes.
Scooptrams and Mine Tucks for underground mucking: We provide a comprehensive line of loaders (Scooptrams) and low profile dump trucks (Mine Trucks) for underground applications. Our range includes models with tramming capacities of 3.6-18 tonne for LHD and 22-65 tonne for LPDT.
A green move for lower running costs: Our new series of electric (battery) scoop loaders and trucks and boomers help to decrease emissions to a minimum and at the same time increase productivity. The new loaders and trucks consume about 40 per cent less energy compared with a diesel-equivalent loader/truck, generate less heat and have a lower noise level. The result is lower running costs, less environmental impact and better working environment.
Ventilation system: Our high-pressure ventilation system fans have been specifically designed to effectively supply tunnel and mine projects with air through very long ducts. The fans are unique as they combine high efficiency with a low noise level. Our ventilation system has been tried and tested with excellent result in hundreds of installations.
Mobile miner: The mechanical rock excavation technique that mobile miner utilises means no drill and blast, easier scheduling and safe work environment.
Our major customers include Hindustan Zinc, Hutti Gold Mines, Hindustan Copper, Uranium Corporation India and major mining contractors of Teknomin Construction, DCS, etc.
What are the new developments in equipment and technologies in underground mining? How IoT and digital technologies are evolving in underground mining?
The companies engaged with underground mining have realised the importance of automation and digitalisation for improving productivity and safety. We are also geared up with our offerings for the same with some of the solutions.
What is your take on the future trend of underground mining in India?
The trend in underground mining is towards mechanisation and automation. Companies are investing in the latest technological equipment for increasing productivity and providing utmost importance to safety. Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) in underground mining equipment for performance and remote monitoring, and investment in battery-operated equipment and tele-remote operations are key upcoming trends in underground mining.
Underground mining involves high risks, but we can see the trend to mitigate risks and also investing in modern machinery giving high importance to safety and productivity.
Outlook and opportunities: With the government’s consistent efforts in the development of the mining sector as well as the underground potential that the industry offers, the mining sector is poised to make significant strides in the years to come. There is a need for increasing use of IT and automation in mining operations. This could help in better management of operations, reduction in pilferage and improvement in safety levels.
Economy & Market
Power Build’s Core Gear Series
Published
3 weeks agoon
February 19, 2026By
admin
A deep dive into Core Gear Series of products M, C, F and K, by Power Build, and how they represent precision in motion.
At the heart of every high-performance industrial system lies the need for robust, reliable, and efficient power transmission. Power Build answers this need with its flagship geared motor series: M, C, F and K. Each series is meticulously engineered to serve specific operational demands while maintaining the universal promise of durability, efficiency, and performance.
Series M – Helical Inline Geared Motors
Compact and powerful, the Series M delivers exceptional drive solutions for a broad range of applications. With power handling up to 160kW and torque capacity reaching 20,000 Nm, it is the trusted solution for industries requiring quiet operation, high efficiency, and space-saving design. Series M is available with multiple mounting and motor options, making it a versatile choice for manufacturers and OEMs globally.
Series C – Right Angled Heli-Worm Geared Motors
Combining the benefits of helical and worm gearing, the Series C is designed for right-angled power transmission. With gear ratios of up to 16,000:1 and torque capacities of up to 10,000 Nm, this series is optimal for applications demanding precision in compact spaces. Industries looking for a smooth, low-noise operation with maximum torque efficiency rely on Series C for dependable performance.
Series F – Parallel Shaft Mounted Geared Motors
Built for endurance in the most demanding environments, Series F is widely adopted in steel plants, hoists, cranes and heavy-duty conveyors. Offering torque up to 10,000 Nm and high gear ratios up to 20,000:1, this product features an integral torque arm and diverse output configurations to meet industry-specific challenges head-on.
Series K – Right Angle Helical Bevel Geared Motors
For industries seeking high efficiency and torque-heavy performance, Series K is the answer. This right-angled geared motor series delivers torque up to 50,000 Nm, making it a preferred choice in core infrastructure sectors such as cement, power, mining and material handling. Its flexibility in mounting and broad motor options offer engineers the freedom in design and reliability in execution.
Together, these four series reflect Power Build’s commitment to excellence in mechanical power transmission. From compact inline designs to robust right-angle drives, each geared motor is a result of decades of engineering innovation, customer-focused design and field-tested reliability. Whether the requirement is speed control, torque multiplication or space efficiency, Radicon’s Series M, C, F and K stand as trusted powerhouses for global industries.
http://www.powerbuild.in
Call: +919727719344
Economy & Market
Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain
Published
9 months agoon
June 16, 2025By
admin
Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the brand delivers high-performance, customised conveyor belt solutions for demanding industries like cement, mining, and logistics, while embracing innovation, automation, and sustainability.
In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, efficient material handling isn’t just a necessity—it’s a competitive advantage. As industries such as mining, cement, steel and logistics push for higher productivity, automation, and sustainability, the humble conveyor belt has taken on a mission-critical role. In this exclusive interview, Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the company is innovating for tougher terrains, smarter systems and a greener tomorrow.
Brief us about your company – in terms of its offerings, manufacturing facilities, and the key end-user industries it serves.
Elastocon, a flagship brand of the Royal Group, is a trusted name in the conveyor belt manufacturing industry. Under the brand name ELASTOCON, the company produces both open-end and endless belts, offering tailor-made solutions to some of the most demanding sectors such as cement, steel, power, mining, fertiliser, and logistics. Every belt is meticulously engineered—from fabric selection to material composition—to ensure optimal performance in tough working conditions. With advanced manufacturing facilities and strict quality protocols, Elastocon continues to deliver high-performance conveyor solutions designed for durability, safety, and efficiency.
How is the group addressing the needs for efficient material handling?
Efficient material handling is the backbone of any industrial operation. At Elastocon, our engineering philosophy revolves around creating belts that deliver consistent performance, long operational life, and minimal maintenance. We focus on key performance parameters such as tensile strength, abrasion resistance, tear strength, and low elongation at working tension. Our belts are designed to offer superior bonding between plies and covers, which directly impacts their life and reliability. We also support clients
with maintenance manuals and technical advice, helping them improve their system’s productivity and reduce downtime.
How critical are conveyor belts in ensuring seamless material handling?
Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain across industries. In sectors like mining, cement, steel, and logistics, they facilitate the efficient movement of materials and help maintain uninterrupted production flows. At Elastocon, we recognise the crucial role of belts in minimising breakdowns and increasing plant uptime. Our belts are built to endure abrasive, high-temperature, or high-load environments. We also advocate proper system maintenance, including correct belt storage, jointing, roller alignment, and idler checks, to ensure smooth and centered belt movement, reducing operational interruptions.
What are the key market and demand drivers for the conveyor belt industry?
The growth of the conveyor belt industry is closely tied to infrastructure development, increased automation, and the push for higher operational efficiency. As industries strive to reduce labor dependency and improve productivity, there is a growing demand for advanced material handling systems. Customers today seek not just reliability, but also cost-effectiveness and technical superiority in the belts they choose. Enhanced product aesthetics and innovation in design are also becoming significant differentiators. These trends are pushing manufacturers to evolve continuously, and Elastocon is leading the way with customer-centric product development.
How does Elastocon address the diverse and evolving requirements of these sectors?
Our strength lies in offering a broad and technically advanced product portfolio that serves various industries. For general-purpose applications, our M24 and DINX/W grade belts offer excellent abrasion resistance, especially for RMHS and cement plants. For high-temperature operations, we provide HR and SHR T2 grade belts, as well as our flagship PYROCON and PYROKING belts, which can withstand extreme heat—up to 250°C continuous and even 400°C peak—thanks to advanced EPM polymers.
We also cater to sectors with specialised needs. For fire-prone environments like underground mining, we offer fire-resistant belts certified to IS 1891 Part V, ISO 340, and MSHA standards. Our OR-grade belts are designed for oil and chemical resistance, making them ideal for fertiliser and chemical industries. In high-moisture applications like food and agriculture, our MR-grade belts ensure optimal performance. This diverse range enables us to meet customer-specific challenges with precision and efficiency.
What core advantages does Elastocon offer that differentiate it from competitors?
Elastocon stands out due to its deep commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Every belt is customised to the client’s requirements, supported by a strong R&D foundation that keeps us aligned with global standards and trends. Our customer support doesn’t end at product delivery—we provide ongoing technical assistance and after-sales service that help clients maximise the value of their investments. Moreover, our focus on compliance and certifications ensures our belts meet stringent national and international safety and performance standards, giving customers added confidence.
How is Elastocon gearing up to meet its customers’ evolving needs?
We are conscious of the shift towards greener and smarter manufacturing practices. Elastocon is embracing sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient manufacturing techniques. In parallel, we are developing belts that seamlessly integrate with automated systems and smart industrial platforms. Our vision is to make our products not just high-performing but also future-ready—aligned with global sustainability goals and compatible with emerging technologies in industrial automation and predictive maintenance.
What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the conveyor belt industry?
The conveyor belt industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As Industry 4.0 principles gain traction, we expect to see widespread adoption of smart belts equipped with sensors for real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. The demand for recyclable materials and sustainable designs will continue to grow. Furthermore, industry-specific customisation will increasingly replace standardisation, and belts will be expected to do more than just transport material—they will be integrated into intelligent production systems. Elastocon is already investing in these future-focused areas to stay ahead of the curve.
Advertising or branding is never about driving sales. It’s about creating brand awareness and recall. It’s about conveying the core values of your brand to your consumers. In this context, why is branding important for cement companies? As far as the customers are concerned cement is simply cement. It is precisely for this reason that branding, marketing and advertising of cement becomes crucial. Since the customer is unable to differentiate between the shades of grey, the onus of creating this awareness is carried by the brands. That explains the heavy marketing budgets, celebrity-centric commercials, emotion-invoking taglines and campaigns enunciating the many benefits of their offerings.
Marketing strategies of cement companies have undergone gradual transformation owing to the change in consumer behaviour. While TV commercials are high on humour and emotions to establish a fast connect with the customer, social media campaigns are focussed more on capturing the consumer’s attention in an over-crowded virtual world. Branding for cement companies has become a holistic growth strategy with quantifiable results. This has made brands opt for a mix package of traditional and new-age tools, such as social media. However, the hero of every marketing communication is the message, which encapsulates the unique selling points of the product. That after all is crux of the matter here.
While cement companies are effectively using marketing tools to reach out to the consumers, they need to strengthen the four Cs of the branding process – Consumer, Cost, Communication and Convenience. Putting up the right message, at the right time and at the right place for the right kind of customer demographic is of utmost importance in the long run. It is precisely for this reason that regional players are likely to have an upper hand as they rely on local language and cultural references to drive home the point. But modern marketing and branding domain is exponentially growing and it would be an interesting exercise to tabulate and analyse its impact on branding for cement.
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Operational Excellence Redefined!
World Cement Association Annual Conference 2026 in Bangkok
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Adani Cement and Naredco Partner to Promote Sustainable Construction
Operational Excellence Redefined!


