Concrete

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Published

3 years ago

April 12, 2023

admin

Nischal Mehrotra, Vice President, Sales & Marketing LiuGong India, discusses the role of advanced engineering technology in developing efficient equipment for the cement industry.

Tell us about the equipment used at limestone quarries and coal mines that majorly supply to cement plants?
The equipment used in limestone quarries and coal mines can vary depending on the type of mining operation and the specific needs of the cement plant. However, some common types of equipment used in these industries include:

Drilling equipment: This includes drill rigs and drilling machines that are used to create holes in the ground to extract the limestone or coal.
Excavators: These are heavy-duty machines used to remove large amounts of soil, rock, and other materials from the ground.
Loaders: These are used to move materials, such as limestone and coal, from the ground to trucks or conveyors for transport to the cement plant.
Crushers: These are machines that break down large rocks into smaller pieces for easier transport and processing.
Conveyors: These are used to transport materials from one location to another, such as from the quarry or mine to the cement plant.
Bulldozers: These are used to level and shape the ground for mining operations and to move large quantities of material.
Blasting equipment: This is used to break up rock formations in the quarry or mine to make it easier to extract the limestone or coal.
Haul trucks: These are used to transport materials from the quarry or mine to the cement plant.

The equipment used in limestone quarries and coal mines that supply to cement plants can be quite diverse, but these are some common types that you might find in these industries.

What is the USP of your equipment that makes them the choice for operation by
any contractor?
The company provides a range of construction equipment and machinery for various applications, such as earthmoving, mining, road construction, and material handling. Here are some USPs of Liugong India machinery that make them a preferred choice for contractors:

Quality and reliability: Liugong India machinery is known for its quality and reliability. The company uses advanced technology and high-quality materials to manufacture its machines, ensuring they are durable and able to withstand tough working conditions.
Fuel efficiency: Liugong India machinery is designed to be fuel-efficient, which helps contractors save money on fuel costs. This is achieved through advanced engine technology and optimised machine design.
Versatility: Liugong India machinery is versatile and can be used for various applications, such as earthmoving, mining, and material handling. This makes it a preferred choice for contractors who need equipment that can perform
multiple tasks.
Low maintenance: Liugong India machinery is designed to require minimal maintenance, which helps reduce downtime and maintenance costs. The company also offers excellent after-sales support to ensure the machines are always in top condition.
Operator comfort and safety: Liugong India machinery is designed with operator comfort and safety in mind. The cabs are spacious and ergonomic, providing a comfortable working environment for the operator. The machines are also equipped with advanced safety features to prevent accidents and ensure operator safety.

Liugong India machinery is a preferred choice for contractors due to its quality, reliability, fuel efficiency, versatility, low maintenance, and operator comfort and safety.

How do you achieve cost efficiency and profitability in your operations?
Liugong India can achieve cost efficiency and profitability in its operations by focusing on the following strategies:

Manufacturing efficiency: Liugong India can focus on optimising its manufacturing processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This can be achieved through automation, lean manufacturing principles, and other process improvement strategies.
Supply chain management: Effective supply chain management can help Liugong India reduce costs and improve profitability. This can include optimising logistics, sourcing raw materials at competitive prices, and managing inventory levels.
After-sales support: Providing excellent after-sales support can help Liugong India improve customer satisfaction and retention. This can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations, which can ultimately help improve profitability.
Product innovation: Liugong India can focus on developing innovative products that meet the changing needs of its customers. This can help the company differentiate itself from competitors and capture market share, leading to improved profitability.
Strategic partnerships: Liugong India can form strategic partnerships with other companies to improve its operations. For example, partnering with a logistics company can help reduce transportation costs, while partnering with a technology company can help improve manufacturing processes.

By focusing on these strategies, Liugong India can achieve cost efficiency and profitability in its operations. This will help the company remain competitive in the market and continue to grow its business.

What is the role of technology in achieving efficiency in your operations?

Technology plays a critical role in helping Liugong India achieve efficiency in its operations. Here are some examples of how technology is used by Liugong India to achieve efficiency:

Advanced engineering: Liugong India uses advanced engineering technology to design and manufacture its machines. This includes computer-aided design (CAD) software and simulations that allow engineers to optimise machine performance and reduce the need for physical prototyping.
Telematics: Liugong India machines are equipped with telematics systems that allow for remote monitoring and diagnostics. This helps to identify and address issues quickly, reducing downtime and improving machine performance.
Automation: Liugong India uses automation technology to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs. For example, robots can be used for welding, painting, and other repetitive tasks, reducing the need for manual labor.
Fuel efficiency: Liugong India machines are designed with fuel-efficient engines and other features that help reduce fuel consumption. This not only saves money on fuel costs but also reduces the environmental impact of the machines.
Connectivity: Liugong India machines can be connected to the internet, allowing for real-time data sharing and analysis. This can help optimise machine performance, reduce downtime, and improve overall efficiency.

Technology plays a crucial role in helping Liugong India achieve efficiency in its operations. By leveraging advanced engineering, telematics, automation, fuel efficiency, and connectivity.

How do you ensure the delivery of quality product post mining or quarrying?
Liugong India ensures the delivery of quality products post-mining or quarrying by implementing the following measures:

Quality control: Liugong India implements rigorous quality control measures at every stage of the manufacturing process. This includes using high-quality materials, testing components before assembly, and conducting final inspections before the machines are shipped.
After-sales support: Liugong India provides excellent after-sales support to ensure its machines are always in top condition. This includes regular maintenance, repairs, and replacements of parts as needed.
Training and education: Liugong India provides training and education to its customers to
ensure they are able to operate the machines safely and effectively. This includes operator training, maintenance training, and troubleshooting support.
Customer feedback: Liugong India actively seeks feedback from its customers to identify areas for improvement and ensure that its machines meet their needs. This feedback is used to improve the design and functionality of the machines.
Warranty: Liugong India provides a warranty on its machines to ensure customers have peace of mind and are protected against manufacturing defects.

By implementing these measures, Liugong India ensures the delivery of quality products post-mining or quarrying. This helps to build trust with its customers and improve its reputation in the market.

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Star Cement Named Preferred Bidder For Boro Lakhindong Block

Preferred bidder for limestone mining lease in Assam

Published

4 hours ago

June 29, 2026

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Star Cement has been declared the preferred bidder for the mining lease for Boro Lakhindong West Block following e-auctions conducted by the Government of Assam. The block is located in Boro Lakhindong Village, Umrangso Tehsil, Dima Hasao District, Assam, and extends over an area of 123 hectares. The estimated limestone resource is 207.822 million (mn) tonnes (t), a quantity that will supply raw material for cement production and support the company’s manufacturing operations in the region.

The company is engaged in the manufacturing and selling of cement clinker and cement and distributes products across the north-eastern and eastern states of India. Star Cement operates plants and logistics networks that procure and process limestone to produce clinker for cement, and the addition of Boro Lakhindong is presented as a strategic enhancement of feedstock availability. The preferred bidder status secures rights to the specified lease area under the terms of the auction process.

Financial results for the company in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026 showed a consolidated net profit rise of 20.24 per cent to Rs 1,481.0 mn on an 11.54 per cent increase in revenue to Rs 11,735.5 mn compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Those results reflected higher sales volumes and revenue growth in the company’s primary markets and are cited in company disclosures accompanying the lease announcement. The reported performance provides context to the company’s ability to pursue and finance new mining lease opportunities.

Market reaction to the declaration was modest, with the scrip rising zero point thirty six per cent to trade at Rs 212 on the BSE. The award of the Boro Lakhindong lease concludes the e-auction process for the west block and assigns operational rights to Star Cement as the preferred bidder, subject to completion of statutory and contractual formalities.

Concrete

KERC Proposal To Cut Rooftop Solar Export Tariff Raises Concern

Consumers and advocates urge regulator to reconsider change

Published

4 hours ago

June 29, 2026

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The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has proposed a reduction in the tariff paid for surplus electricity that rooftop solar installations export to the grid, prompting concern among consumers, renewable energy advocates and industry specialists. The proposal arrives while the Central government and state governments are promoting clean energy adoption and offering subsidy schemes to encourage rooftop solar deployment. Thousands of households in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru, have invested substantial sums in rooftop systems to reduce reliance on conventional power and support state renewable targets.

Stakeholders have raised questions about the implications of a lower export tariff for the financial attractiveness of rooftop solar investments and the pace of the state transition to renewables. Industry analysts warned that a reduction in compensation for excess generation could discourage new installations and extend payback periods for existing systems. Current messaging from authorities, which simultaneously promotes adoption while proposing lower export rates, has been described by user groups as creating contradictory signals for consumers.

Experts argued that policy measures should focus on grid modernisation rather than reducing consumer benefits, with investments in transmission and distribution networks needed to manage higher volumes of distributed solar generation. Consumer groups and renewable advocates are preparing written submissions to the regulator and are urging retention of incentives that support household adoption of rooftop systems. KERC has invited public objections and suggestions as part of a consultation process that will determine the final tariff framework.

The outcome of the consultation is expected to influence the future growth of rooftop solar across the state and shape investor confidence in small-scale renewable projects. Residents who have already installed rooftop panels are monitoring developments closely because changes to compensation mechanisms may affect household finances and the speed of return on investment. Observers noted that coherent policy, aligned incentives and grid upgrades would be essential to sustain momentum in the rooftop solar sector.

Concrete

Indian Railways Plans Green Fly Ash Transport Network

Published

2 days ago

June 27, 2026

admin

Specialised rail logistics will move fly ash from power plants to infrastructure industries.

New Delhi

Indian Railways is planning a large-scale green logistics initiative to transport fly ash from thermal power plants to industries where it can be reused in infrastructure and construction activities.

The initiative was discussed during a review meeting chaired by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw. Union Ministers of State for Railways V Somanna and Ravneet Singh Bittu were also present.

India generates nearly 340 million tonnes of fly ash every year from thermal power plants. The proposed initiative aims to create an efficient rail-based transport system using specialised containers and dedicated logistics arrangements to move fly ash safely from power plants to end-use industries.

Fly ash is widely used in road construction, cement manufacturing, brick production, concrete, blocks and boards. By improving its movement through the railway network, the initiative is expected to support better utilisation of this industrial by-product while reducing environmental concerns linked to storage and disposal.

The move also aligns with India’s circular economy goals by converting waste from thermal power generation into a useful raw material for the construction and infrastructure sectors. Wider availability of fly ash can help reduce material costs in areas such as bricks and cement, supporting more affordable infrastructure and housing development.

Through this initiative, Indian Railways aims to provide a cleaner, safer and more organised transport solution for fly ash, turning an environmental challenge into an infrastructure resource.