SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Feb. 4: IIT Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad‘s Technology Innovation in Exploration and Mining Foundation (TEXMiN) today signed an MoU with Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) for the development of the start–up ecosystem.
Prof Ranji Singh, dean of media and branding of the IIT, said that the strategic collaboration will enable TEXMiN to establish AEL 3S Mining Excellence Centre (3SMEC) at the institute for developing Start-up Ecosystems, capacity building and cadre management for students working with AEL and other industries.
The MoU would cater to AEL’s need for technical assistance and consultancy work from TEXMiN IITISM for enhancing production through modifying mining methods with the application of new and advanced CPS-based technologies, improving mining operations’ productivity and safety.
Prof. Rajiv Shekhar, Director, IIT ISM Dhanbad and Chairman, HGB and BoD TEXMiN, said collaborating with AEL will help transform the mining communities to be more sustainable, efficient, safe, and resilient.
“ Today, sustainability, traceability and safety are paramount for mining organizations. This can only be achieved by accelerating their digital transformation journey and integrating the entire value chain from the mine to the plant, to the port,” he said.
Prof Shekhar further added that there is also a need to identify the right talent from campus at an early stage for industry and then align them in line with our future business requirements to bridge the gap between academics and industry.
Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, deputy director of IIT ISM and project director cum director, TEXMiN, on the occasion, pointed out that this collaboration is not just a ‘digital mine’ but about broader mining transformation.
“Smart mining transforms the way decisions are made, the skills you require, how you engage with your workforce and communities, and how to optimally utilize resources, such as energy,” he said. The deputy director said the collaboration will set a benchmark in creating a platform for mining professionals and in unlocking the capabilities of complete digital transformation.
Vinay Prakash, the director, of Adani Enterprises and CEO of Natural Resources, said the mining industry has a critical role to play in supporting mining communities to develop the skills needed in the digital economy of the future. Academia and industry collaboration like this between AEL – IITSM -TEXMiN will help Indian mining and metal companies in their current re-skilling and upskilling programs on digital transformation, in building the workforce for the future to achieve 3S Mining (Safe, Smart, Sustainable) through operation and process optimization.
