Deployment of high-end drones at Coalfields by CMPDI, a subsidiary of Coal India, is getting delayed due to COVID-induced lockdowns and different restrictions in a number of states, although the corporate has secured approval for utilizing the tools from the Centre, an official stated.
Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), the analysis and technical arm of the miner, is among the organisations within the nation to introduce drones for conducting coalfield surveys.
The firm has deliberate to deploy drones at Coal India mines for specialised survey purposes resembling era of high-resolution photos, 3D terrain mapping and volumetric measurement of excavation, the official stated.
“We are ready to deploy drones as permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has been given. Training for operations and maintenance of data was scheduled from April 25 but it couldn’t be held due to lockdown,” CMPDI GM (Geomatics) Rajneesh Kumar instructed PTI.
The high-end drones can even be used to map areas and detect spots of underground mine fireplace which is prevalent in japanese coalfields in West Bengal and Jharkhand, he stated.
Currently, two drones with high-end sensors have been procured with every valued at round Rs 2 crore.
“CMPDI will have a distinct edge in terms of technology for various kinds of survey and monitoring jobs which are done on a regular basis. Correct assessment based on drone-generated data will help increase efficiency, productivity and safety in coal mines of the miner,” Kumar stated.
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