On August 21, 2024, a pivotal meeting of the Standing Scientific Research Committee (SSRC) was held in a hybrid format, chaired by Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal. The meeting saw the participation of key figures such as Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Vismita Tej, Additional Secretary, Nirupama Kotru, JS&FA, and Anandji Prasad, Advisor (Projects), alongside other senior ministry officials.
Members of the SSRC, along with representatives from academic institutions, research organizations, and major mining companies, also attended. The primary focus of the meeting was the advancement of Research and Development (R&D) within the coal sector, particularly concerning the improvement of exploration techniques, enhancement of coal production, reinforcement of safety measures, and the protection of environmental standards.
The SSRC’s diverse membership includes representatives from various ministries and departments such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), NITI Aayog, and the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). Key industry players such as Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), and the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) are also involved.
Prominent academic institutions, including IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, and IIT Kanpur, along with research entities like the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) and the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), were well-represented. During the meeting, CMPDI delivered an extensive presentation outlining various aspects of R&D within the coal sector.
The presentation detailed the current challenges, the measures taken to address them, and the future direction for research. It also covered key focus areas and the initiatives undertaken to share research outcomes with a broader audience.
The establishment of Phase-1 of the “National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER)” at CMPDI, Ranchi, was highlighted as a significant development aimed at advancing research across different domains of the coal and energy sectors. The meeting also reviewed several high-impact R&D projects under the CIL/MoC R&D/S&T scheme, both completed and ongoing.
Following the presentation, the attendees engaged in thorough discussions and proposed several important recommendations. These included the implementation of frequent reviews of high-impact R&D projects to ensure they align with sectoral objectives. They suggested offering incentives to participating mines and researchers from institutes and organizations that demonstrate significant outcomes.
An annual national seminar was proposed to showcase the results of beneficial R&D projects. Additionally, the formation of an advisory committee consisting of members from IITs, NITs, and other prestigious mining institutes was recommended to help educate students and researchers about ongoing R&D activities and challenges in the coal and energy sectors.
The participants also recommended that CMPDI visit mining institutes and research organizations nationwide to raise awareness about R&D activities in the coal and energy sectors. Emphasis was placed on promoting research related to energy transition and achieving net-zero emissions. It was suggested that the successes of R&D projects and activities be highlighted through digital platforms and social media.
Moreover, the creation of a unified R&D platform for all coal and lignite sector activities was proposed to prevent duplication of research efforts. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to advancing research and development in the coal sector, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and addressing the evolving challenges in the energy landscape. The Ministry is seeking further suggestions to shape the future trajectory of R&D in this vital sector.
