Coal India Limited (CIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), a leading centre under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to develop an AI-powered satellite-based geospatial monitoring platform for its mining operations. The initiative is aimed at improving mine management, strengthening environmental monitoring, and enhancing operational efficiency across Coal India’s subsidiaries.
The agreement marks a significant step in the company’s digital transformation journey by leveraging space technology, artificial intelligence, and geospatial analytics for smarter and more sustainable mining practices.
AI and Satellite Technology to Improve Mine Monitoring
The MoU was signed during a virtual ceremony attended by Achyut Ghatak, Director (Technical), Coal India Limited, and Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director, NRSC.
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The proposed platform will use high-resolution mine boundary data provided by the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) to create a digital dashboard capable of monitoring mining activities across Coal India’s leasehold areas.
The system will provide real-time insights into mining operations, enabling authorities to track mine closure activities, monitor land reclamation, assess afforestation initiatives, and ensure mining remains within approved lease boundaries. It will also help identify unauthorised mining activities and map rehabilitation and resettlement projects.
Advanced Analytics for Smarter Decision-Making
The new dashboard will integrate advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, predictive analytics, and automated change detection with ISRO‘s satellite data.
These capabilities will allow faster analysis of mining sites, improve monitoring accuracy, and support data-driven decision-making for mine planning, environmental management, and regulatory compliance.
Special Focus on Jharia Coalfield
A key feature of the collaboration is the use of satellite imagery and AI models to monitor underground coal fires in the Jharia Coalfield.
The platform will help detect active fire zones, predict the possible spread of underground fires, and generate location-specific intelligence to support timely intervention. This is expected to improve safety while reducing environmental risks in one of India’s most challenging mining regions.
Supporting Sustainable Mining
Coal India said the initiative will strengthen its environmental governance by enabling continuous monitoring of mine reclamation, green cover expansion, and land-use changes across operational areas.
The AI-enabled dashboard is also expected to improve transparency, enhance regulatory compliance, and support responsible mining practices through continuous satellite-based surveillance.
Towards Digital Mining Operations
The collaboration between Coal India and NRSC reflects a growing focus on integrating emerging technologies into India’s mining sector. By combining satellite intelligence with AI-powered analytics, the company aims to build a modern monitoring system that enhances operational efficiency while promoting sustainable resource management.
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Coal India believes the initiative will play an important role in improving mine safety, environmental stewardship, and informed decision-making as the company continues to modernise its mining operations across the country.
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