SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 27: A three-day Executive Development Programme (EDP) on “Enhancing Productivity, Safety and Sustainable Management of the Mining Industry” began on Monday at the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad.
The programme is being organised by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, with participation from 12 professionals from the mining and allied sectors.
Dr Siddhartha Misra, Chief – Process Research (R&D), Tata Steel, attended the inaugural session as the chief guest. Addressing participants online, Dr Misra highlighted the growing importance of research, process optimisation, and digital transformation in ensuring safer, more efficient, and sustainable mining operations.
The inaugural session was also attended by Prof. Somnath Chattopadhyaya, Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Prof. Bhanwar Singh Choudhary, Head, Department of Mining Engineering; and Prof. Tanmoy Maity, Associate Dean, International Relations and Alumni Affairs.
While addressing the gathering, the dignitaries highlighted IIT (ISM)’s continued engagement with industry through executive education, research collaboration, and technology outreach.
Officials said the programme is being coordinated by Prof. L. A. Kumaraswamidhas, with Prof. Rajni Singh, Professor of English, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences and Dean, Corporate Communications, IIT (ISM), and Prof. Shashank Bansal from the Department of Management Studies and Industrial Engineering serving as Co-Coordinators.
Day One Focus Areas
On the first day, participants were introduced to digital mining approaches aimed at enhancing safety, sustainability, and human–machine interaction. Sessions also covered essential safety practices in mining, methods to improve productivity and safety in blastless surface mining operations, and techniques to enhance mining efficiency and equipment safety through rheological and tribological innovations.
The sessions offered a balanced mix of technical insights and practical perspectives, aligned with current industry requirements.
