In recent years, there has been a significant uptake of technological and sustainable initiatives across the mining sector in India. With the growing demand for minerals and energy resources, the industry is facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices that minimise environmental degradation, promote social responsibility and ensure economic viability. Digital initiatives offer transformative solutions for data accuracy in mining processes and efficient resource and process monitoring. On the digitalisation front, cutting-edge technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and photogrammetry sensor-based drones, geographic information systems (GIS), light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and digital platforms are gaining traction. These help in conducting mining surveys, processing data and monitoring unauthorised mining activities. There is also a growing focus on implementing sustainable measures such as afforestation initiatives to restore biodiversity, ensuring the efficient utilisation of mine water and promote the adoption of sustainable mining equipment to abate pollution.
Use of UAVs/drones in mining surveys
Mining surveys play an important role in the assessment and exploration of sites and are essential for strategic planning and project implementation. The accuracy of data obtained from these surveys is critical for undertaking different mining operations. It is vital to estimate resource availability, worker safety, cost efficiency and protection of environmental resources. There has been a steady shift towards the adoption of smart solutions, such as the use of drones for surveys. Drones are used to track and analyse the movement of ore after blasting operations and inspect inaccessible areas. As a result, UAVs and photogrammetry sensor-based drones are being increasingly deployed for surveys. These help obtain high-resolution images for topographical mapping, disaster assessment, environmental monitoring and other aspects of deposit sites. In line with its growing adoption, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDI), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has completed various projects using UAV-based sensors. These include vegetation cover mapping at the Jayant area in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, and built-up structure mapping in its expansion area. For Bharat Coking Coal Limited, drone-mounted photogrammetry sensors have helped in acquiring high-resolution images of cracks on the ground in the Sijua area.
The large-scale data obtained from these drone-based surveys can also be analysed on a real-time basis through artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled cloud platforms. Key technology players offer such solutions, including the Aereo Cloud by Aereo for quick and accurate data processing and analysis. They also offer highly advanced drones such as Aereo ZFR, which are capable of mapping around 400 hectares of area in a single flight. It has a high-resolution data capture ability of
2 cm per pixel.
Uptake of GIS, LiDAR and digital platforms
GIS technology is widely used in the mining industry to support various aspects of mining operations, such as exploration and environmental friendly management. It aids companies in integrating geological/geospatial data, satellite images and topographical maps on one platform, enabling exploration teams to identify areas with high probabilities of mine discovery. The use of web-based GIS applications and monitoring dashboards is picking up pace in the mining sector. For instance, the WebGIS application, as well as land, operational and exploration dashboards are being leveraged by Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) as advanced predictive technologies to mitigate uncertainties in coal mining. These dashboards provide important information on village-wise land summary, private land acquisition status, drilling progress monitoring and other aspects. Other GIS applications include the Coal Mine Surveillance and Management System (CMSMS) developed by CMPDI and the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics, as well as the Khanan Prahari mobile application for CMSMS. This is used by the Ministry of Coal (MoC) for reporting, conducting surveillance and taking actions against unauthorised coal mining activities.
LiDAR, a remote sensing technology, is being intensively used in mining for different purposes. LiDAR systems can create accurate three-dimensional models of objects and surfaces. Thus, drones with LiDAR sensors have the potential to be used across mining sites for slope monitoring. Digital platforms are transforming the mining industry through improvements in operational efficiency, productivity and sustainability. In line with this, Hindalco Industries Limited has deployed innovative digital platforms and other initiatives in some of its ongoing projects. These include the Integrated Mine Management and Information System, which offers advanced analytic services through dashboards and other mediums. Another digital intervention is its Lab Integrated Management System for the management of sample data collections and analytics through different stages.
Adoption of sustainable initiatives 
With an increased focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency, the MoC has adopted various environmentally sustainable initiatives. These include bio-reclamation, plantation, effective utilisation of mine water and energy efficiency measures. Mining activities involving coal or lignite often require clearing forest cover and soil erosion, and have adverse impacts on the environment. Bio-reclamation and plantation initiatives serve as critical measures in protecting and restoring biodiversity. Several public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the coal/lignite space are undertaking afforestation and reclamation measures for lands. To this end, CIL is working to revitalise more than 3,000 hectares of degraded forest land under the Green Credit Programme (GCP). Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the GCP aims to establish a land bank for plantations through a technology-based web portal and registration.
Another important initiative is the treatment, recycling and reusing of mine water for various purposes. These include water supply for domestic and irrigation purposes, industrial use, dust suppression and groundwater recharge. These initiatives have been gaining momentum, and coal/lignite PSUs are collaborating with state governments to provide community water supply. Coal companies are also adopting modern environmentally friendly equipment such as surface miners, which reduce the need to undertake polluting operations such as drilling, blasting and crushing operations in coal mining. Rippers are also being utilised to avoid overburden in mines. These are attachments designed for heavy machinery that use hydraulic power to break through hard materials such as rock and concrete.
Several measures are also being undertaken to foster strategic research to implement sustainable solutions in the Indian mining sector. For instance, on March 7, 2025, CIL and IIT Hyderabad collaborated to establish the Centre of Excellence for Clean Coal Energy and Net Zero in Hyderabad. CIL has provided an initial grant of Rs 980 million for setting up the centre. This initiative aims to promote research innovation and sustainable utilisation of coal resources in alignment with the net zero commitments of the country. The joint initiative seeks to promote the use of coal bed methane, coal mine recovery, uptake of carbon capture technologies and deployment of AI and machine learning in various operations.
The way ahead
The Indian mining industry is poised to undergo a transformative shift towards a sustainable, digitally advanced and climate-resilient future. In order to encourage a wider and upward trend of adoption, better awareness about the use and efficiency of these technologies and initiatives needs to be created. Alongside, there needs to be a greater focus on reducing operational costs and improving safety measures for workers. These technological initiatives can digitalise risky mining operations and reduce the need for manual labour for life-threatening excavation and related activities. Going forward, greater uptake of sustainable mining practices, including precision mining, will help minimise waste generation. Enhanced research and development through collaborations with research organisations will also help broaden the scope of capacity building and drive the shift towards a circular economy in the mining sector. w
With inputs from presentations and remarks by representatives from AEL, HIL, CMPDI and AEREO at a recent India Infrastructure conference
