Telangana Delegation Visits Caterpillar, Komatsu Facilities in US to Explore Mining Technology
Hyderabad, Aug. 6 (TNT): A high-level Telangana government delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu visited the Caterpillar Demonstration and Learning Center in Tucson, Arizona, and the Komatsu Mining Corporation facility at Longview, Texas, as part of its ongoing visit to the United States to explore advanced mining technologies for Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).
The delegation, comprising senior officials of SCCL and GMMCO Ltd., reviewed live demonstrations of Caterpillar’s latest heavy earth-moving and mining equipment, including autonomous and tele-remote operated machinery, besides holding discussions on operator training and mine safety systems for opencast coal mining operations.
At the Komatsu facility, the delegation inspected the manufacturing and assembly of large-scale mining equipment and discussed technology collaboration, equipment procurement and after-sales support for SCCL.
According to an official statement on Thursday, the visits are aimed at exploring modernisation of mining technology, enhancing operational safety and identifying opportunities for collaboration with leading global mining equipment manufacturers.
The statement said exposure to advanced autonomous mining systems could help SCCL modernise its opencast operations, improve productivity and reduce manual exposure of workers to hazardous mining conditions.
The discussions are also expected to facilitate technology transfer, skill development and improved maintenance support.
The visit assumes significance in view of SCCL’s recent acquisition of the Tadicherla Open Cast-2 coal block in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district and the PKOC-2 Dip-side block near Manuguru in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, together adding more than 360 million tonnes of coal reserves.
With the expansion of its mining operations, SCCL is expected to augment its fleet of heavy earth-moving machinery, including shovels, dumpers, draglines and drilling equipment.
The visit enabled the delegation to assess global technologies to support the company’s future equipment procurement and automation plans.
SCCL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti, Deputy Chief Minister’s Secretary Krishna Bhaskar, Caterpillar India representative R.K. Mishra and other senior officials accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister.
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