Mumbai: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur to train 500 officers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The initiative aims to enhance digital capabilities and improve operational efficiency across the organisation.
MoU Signed in Presence of Senior Leadership
The agreement was formally signed by Keshav Rao, Director (HR), MCL, and Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur. The ceremony was attended by Uday Anant Kaole, Chairman and Managing Director of MCL, along with senior officials from both institutions.
The collaboration marks a significant step towards building a technology-driven workforce in the mining sector.
Focus on AI-Driven Efficiency in Mining Operations
Speaking at the event, MCL CMD Uday Anant Kaole highlighted the importance of AI and ML in transforming mining operations. He noted that these technologies will play a key role in improving:
- Decision-making processes
- Operational efficiency
- Process management systems
The initiative is expected to introduce AI-based practices across multiple functions within the organisation.
Training Programme to Build Future-Ready Leadership
The specially designed programme will equip MCL officers from various disciplines with advanced digital and analytical skills. The goal is to create future-ready leadership capable of driving innovation and productivity in a rapidly evolving energy sector.
The training will also support MCL’s broader digital transformation journey.
IIM Sambalpur’s Role in AI-Led Education
IIM Sambalpur emphasized its commitment to innovation-driven learning. According to Director Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, the collaboration reflects a shared vision of using AI and ML to transform organisations through technology-enabled growth and strategic capability building.
Notably, IIM Sambalpur is also known for being among the first institutes globally to integrate AI education across all management disciplines for its students.
A Step Toward Tech-Enabled Mining Sector
This partnership is expected to significantly modernize MCL’s operational and administrative systems. By integrating AI and ML into core business functions, the organisation aims to strengthen its competitiveness in the coal and energy sector.
About MCL
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited is a leading coal-producing company in India and a subsidiary of Coal India Limited. It plays a key role in meeting the country’s energy demand by ensuring steady coal supply to power and industrial sectors.
