Singrauli: In a major initiative aimed at promoting safe, efficient, and scientific mining practices, Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) organized a one-day special training programme on “Dragline Mining and Operations” at CETI, Singrauli. The programme was designed to strengthen technical expertise among personnel associated with dragline operations and allied activities while enhancing their capabilities to meet evolving mining challenges.
NCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director B. Sairam addressed participants through video conferencing and highlighted the strategic importance of draglines in the company’s mining operations. He said the training programme served not only as a platform for technical learning but also as an opportunity to share NCL’s work culture, scientific mining practices, and long-established traditions of operational excellence.
“Draglines play a central role in NCL’s production capacity. Outstanding results can only be achieved through safe, coordinated, and efficient operations,” he said, urging participants to embrace innovation, learn continuously, and prioritize safety while carrying forward the organization’s legacy of excellence.
The programme was attended by Director (Finance) Rajnish Narayan, Director (Technical) Ashutosh Dwivedi, department heads from the headquarters, general managers of various projects through virtual mode, and several officers and participants from across the company.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnish Narayan emphasized the critical role of draglines in NCL’s mine planning and operations. He noted that effective dragline performance depends on meticulous planning, skilled management, and high-quality maintenance. Efficient operation of these massive machines, he said, significantly contributes to cost reduction, productivity enhancement, and overall profitability.
Director (Technical) Ashutosh Dwivedi highlighted NCL’s extensive fleet of draglines, describing them as the backbone of the company’s high productivity and scientific mining system. He underlined that the success of dragline operations depends on systematic mine planning, effective coordination, and optimized resource management, enabling the company to maximize both technical and commercial benefits.
The training programme featured technical sessions conducted by experienced NCL professionals. Naveen Rai, General Manager (Mining) and Technical Secretary to the CMD, delivered a session on dragline mining and operations. P.D. Rathi, General Manager (Corporate Planning) spoke on safety in dragline operations, while Ratanjay Singh, General Manager (CMC) discussed blasting techniques for dragline deployment. S.R.P. Ambasta, Advisor (Excavation) provided insights into dragline maintenance, and Satyaveer Singh, Senior Manager (Mining), Corporate Planning, explained balancing diagrams and dragline planning methodologies.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session where participants exchanged experiences and deliberated on operational challenges and best practices in dragline mining.
Engineers, mine planners, maintenance personnel, and supervisory staff from NCL’s dragline-operated projects participated in the programme. Notably, NCL currently operates 23 draglines across its various mining projects, making it one of the largest dragline operators in the coal mining sector.
— Reported by Ravindra Kesari
