Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the ‘5G Use Case Test Lab’ at the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) in Ranchi. The new facility is set to drive the digital transformation of the coal sector by developing and testing 5G applications tailored to the industry’s needs. As a designated Centre of Excellence (COE) by the Ministry of Coal, CMPDI will leverage 5G technology to improve efficiency and innovation in mining operations.
Minister Reddy praised CMPDI for its role as a pioneer in innovation within the mining sector, recognizing its continued efforts in improving safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability through research and development. He emphasized that the 5G Test Lab marks another significant step forward in the institute’s leadership in integrating advanced technologies.
The inauguration also featured the unveiling of a sculpture made from scrap materials from CMPDI, which creatively represents the company’s core services like Geomatics, Exploration, Planning & Design, and Environmental Monitoring. The sculpture underscores CMPDI’s commitment to sustainable practices and recycling industrial waste. Additionally, the new CMPDI corporate logo was revealed during the ceremony.
The 5G Use Case Test Lab will serve as a testbed for 5G-enabled devices and applications, integrating 5G radio and core technologies with Edge/Cloud IT/OT systems. This facility will play a pivotal role in the coal industry’s digital transformation, supporting the development of high-speed, low-latency wireless solutions for mission-critical applications such as smart mining and predictive maintenance.
The 5G Test Lab aims to drive innovation in the coal mining sector by developing and testing advanced 5G use cases. These include voice, video, and data communication, along with the integration of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors for vehicle management and operational efficiency. By leveraging 5G’s high-speed connectivity and low latency, the lab seeks to enhance real-time communication and data-driven decision-making in mining operations.
Another key focus is creating a scalable and replicable model for 5G private networks that seamlessly integrates with Edge and Cloud-based IT/OT applications. The lab will also explore cutting-edge technologies such as Mines Digital Twin, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) solutions. These advanced use cases aim to optimize field operations, improve safety, and boost overall productivity in mining environments.
The 5G Test Lab will enable Coal India Limited (CIL) to deploy a wide range of IoT applications, including surveillance cameras, sensor-integrated machinery, and predictive maintenance systems, leading to improved data exchange, decision-making, and operational efficiency. The private captive 5G network will ensure that the data generated during mining operations remains secure within CIL, enhancing both safety and sustainability in the sector. By enabling high-speed and reliable connectivity, the lab will also facilitate real-time monitoring, helping CIL optimize operations and further strengthen its leadership in the industry.
