CCL Inaugurates National Seminar on Advancements in Explosives & Blasting Technology in Mines – Indian PSU
The two-day National Seminar on “Latest Advancements in Use of Explosives & Blasting Technology in Mines & Way Forward”, organised by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), commenced today at the Gangotri Convention Centre, Ranchi.
The seminar was inaugurated by Ujjwal Tah, Director General, DGMS, who attended as the Chief Guest. He was joined by Achyut Ghatak, Director (Technical), Coal India Limited; Dr. S.S. Prasad, DDG (SEZ); and R.T. Mandekar, DDG (NWZ). Senior CCL officials, including C.S. Tiwary, Director (T/O), and Shankar Nagachari, Director (T P & P), were also present.
The programme began with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a graceful Ganesh Vandana performed by students of DAV Gandhinagar and the rendition of the Coal India Corporate Song.
In his welcome address, C.S. Tiwary highlighted the significance of adopting modern blasting innovations to enhance safety and productivity in mining operations. CCL felicitated all dignitaries on the occasion.
Technical Deliberations Begin
Day 1 featured three technical sessions, bringing together leading experts from IITs, IIEST, CMPDI, CIMFR, CIL, SECL, DMS, NITs, and major private-sector mining and explosives companies.
Technical Session 1
- Chair: R.A. Meena, DDG (WZ)
- Co-chair: Sanjay Purohit, NIT Rourkela
Key topics:
- Statutory provisions for safe blasting
- Blast design optimisation in large opencast mines
On this occasion, Achyut Ghatak inaugurated the exhibition stalls set up by participating companies, showcasing modern blasting solutions and technologies.
Technical Session 2
- Chair: M. Bidri, DDG (CZ)
- Co-chair: Prof. B.S. Choudhary, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad
Key topics:
- Influence of rock discontinuities on blast-induced damage
- Accident analysis and safety recommendations
Technical Session 3
- Chair: Nripendra Nath, DT CMPDI
- Co-chair: S.S. Soni, DMS (EZ)
Key topics:
- Machine-learning-based vibration prediction
- Safe blasting in reactive ground
The first day spotlighted breakthroughs in blasting science, vibration control, statutory compliance, safety management, and predictive technologies, reinforcing India’s move toward safer, smarter, and more efficient mining.
Experts and industry leaders from IITs, IIEST, CMPDI, CIMFR, CIL, SECL, JSW, Tata Steel, and various technology providers enriched the seminar with research insights and practical innovations.
