Korba: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has commissioned the country’s first 21 cubic metre (CuM) electro-hydraulic face shovel at its Gevra Mega Project, marking a significant step towards the adoption of advanced mining technology.
The state-of-the-art machine was inaugurated by SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) Mr. Harish Duhan. SECL Director (Technical, Planning & Projects) Mr. Ramesh Chandra Mahapatra was also present during the inauguration.
21 CuM Electric Shovel to Boost Coal Production
The newly commissioned electro-hydraulic face shovel is expected to enhance coal production capacity at the Gevra project while improving operational efficiency and safety.
The machine has an annual production capacity of approximately 5.31 million cubic metres, which is expected to support faster overburden removal and coal extraction.
Advanced Safety Features in New SECL Shovel
The 21 CuM electro-hydraulic face shovel is equipped with several modern features designed to improve operator safety, comfort and machine efficiency.
Key features include:
- 360-degree camera
- Operator fatigue monitoring system
- Air-suspension seat
- Adjustable joystick
- Hydraulic stairs
- Gas-based fire suppression system
- FOPS-standard safe cabin
These technologies are aimed at creating safer working conditions while improving the efficiency of mining operations.
Machine Integrated with Fleet Management System
The newly commissioned shovel has also been integrated with SECL’s Fleet Management System (FMS).
The integration will enable real-time monitoring of the machine’s performance and operational efficiency, helping improve fleet management and productivity. The advanced monitoring capabilities are expected to support better utilisation of mining equipment and contribute to more efficient operations at the Gevra project.
Major Technology Upgrade for Gevra Mega Project
Gevra is one of Asia’s largest coal mines, and the addition of the high-capacity electric shovel is expected to strengthen its mining operations.
The machine will support:
- Faster overburden removal
- Increased coal extraction capacity
- Improved operational efficiency
- Enhanced safety standards
- Real-time equipment performance monitoring
The commissioning represents another step in SECL’s efforts to modernise mining operations and achieve production targets while maintaining a strong focus on safety.
SECL Officials Attend Commissioning Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. Ramesh Chandra Mahapatra, Director (Technical, Planning & Projects), SECL, along with other senior officials and employees of the Gevra Project. Mr. Sanjay Mishra, AGM, and other senior officers and employees were also present during the programme.
About SECL
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is one of India’s major coal-producing companies and a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL). Headquartered in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, SECL operates coal mines across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and plays an important role in meeting the country’s energy requirements through coal production and supply.
Read also: SECL Leads India in Scientific Mine Closure, Completes Closure of 28 Abandoned Mines
