The National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), an autonomous research institute under the Ministry of Mines, apart from the government-funded S&T work, has extended its research and development support to the Industry in the areas like hydro-electric and tunneling projects, civil construction projects, non-coal mines and coal mines. It has carried out investigations at various hydro-electric projects including Tala Hydro-electric project (Bhutan), Sardar Sarovar Project (Gujarat), Larji Hydroelectric Project (Himachal Pradesh), Neriamangalam Extension Project (Kerala) Pala Maneri Hydro Electric Project (Uttaranchal) and Nathpa-Jhakri Project (Himachal Pradesh).
NIRM has been involved in the prestigious Katra-Qazigund Rail Link project in the mountainous terrains in Jammu & Kashmir and geological mapping and geo-technical joint mapping along the banks of Chenab river. The institute has a proven expertise in the key areas of numerical modelling, geo-physical exploration and ground control investigations for hard-rock mines. During the year 2003-04 it has carried out studies for Kathpal chromite mines in Orissa and Hutti goldmine.
A major thrust area of the institute is to improve safety and productivity of underground goldmines in the country. During the year,the institute undertook studies mostly in the mines of SCCL and WCL. Besides, it has taken up extensive testing of rock samples as per international standards.
During the year 2003-04 NIRM scientists published 46 technical papers in international and national journals/conferences. The microprocessor based solid state control system (MBSC) for improving efficiency of conventional coal mine haulers was patented and the know-how released to a private industry through the National Research Development Corporation. The patenting and commercialization of the real time monitoring system for performance evaluation of the powered supports is in progress. The Institute got the ISO-9001:2000 Accreditation renewed for its R&D and consultancy services.
DS/AS/191205-NIRM
(Release ID :14352)