Centre to reduce dependence on high-capacity mining equipment imports to ramp up domestic production

New Delhi, May 16 (KNN) In an effort to boost domestic production of high-capacity mining equipment, the central government is planning to curb its import, reported Mint.

As per the Ministry of Coal it will be in line with the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, promoting “Make in India”.

The ministry has convened a multi-disciplinary high-level committee, featuring representation from various governmental branches and key industry players like BEML, Caterpillar, and Tata Hitachi.

The committee is spearheaded by Coal India Limited’s (CIL) director (technical) and is tasked with encouraging domestic production of heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM) and other underground mining gear.

Currently, CIL imports machinery worth approximately Rs 3,500 crore and incurring Rs 1,000 crore in customs duties, stands to benefit from reduced import reliance.

The company has outlined a plan to phase out imports over a half-decade, nurturing domestic manufacturers’ capabilities.

To facilitate the deployment of locally produced machinery in coal production, transportation, and monitoring CIL is working on standardizing mining equipment.  (KNN Bureau)