Coal news and updates

Lack of experienced MDOs a source of worry: WCL

February 25: Although the concept of mine-operators-cum-developers (MDOs) is gaining importance in the Indian coal sector, availability of experienced players in this segment is not adequate, said R R Mishra, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), Western Coalfields Ltd (WCL).

Mishra further said the issue of availability of experienced contractors is becoming an area of concern; so is the lack of trained manpower. Also, the availability of required numbers of excavators and dumpers with matching support equipment is posing a challenge to sustaining production growth.

The CMD, while addressing a recent workshop organised by the coal ministry in New Delhi, emphasised the importance of man riding systems in underground mines and said the company has plans for deployment of continuous miner in six of their underground mines and one longwall project.