(a): whether the Coal India Ltd. propose to purchase some
coal mining machines from Britain which are out of use in
their coal mines;
(b): if so, the details thereof;
(c): whether usefulness of these machines have been
examined in the country; and
(d): if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL (SHRI SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN)
(a) & (b): No, Sir. However, CIL invited global tenders
for introduction of new technology(use of continuous
miners in conjuction with shuttle cars and roof bolters)
in certain mines. After finalisation of tenders, two
contracts have been entered for Chirimiri and Vindhya
mines of SECL with M/s. Joy Kier and M/s. Long Airdox
respectively. Two more contracts are under finalisation
for Tandsi mine of WCL and Pinoura mine of SECL.
(c) & (d): Continuous miner technology is not in use at
present in the mines of CIL although they are in
extensive use in Australia, South Africa and USA. The
contract is on risk/gain sharing basis.