Sandvik MC350 boosts productivity and safety at Haldibari, India

Since the introduction of the Sandvik MC350 continuous miner, the Haldibari coal mine has experienced increased productivity and safety, as well as the effects of an exceptional service team.

Published: 21 January 2025

Haldibari coal mine, a crucial part of India’s coal production landscape, has been in operation since 2008. Owned and managed by Coal India Limited (CIL) and operated by TMC Consortium (TMC), this mine is situated in one of India’s prominent coal-producing regions. With a lifespan of 25 years, the Haldibari mine is currently undergoing significant development to meet India’s growing energy demands, driven by the implementation of advanced mining technology, including the Sandvik MC350 continuous miner.

TMC group is one of the leading companies in Indian Mining space that specializes in Contract Mining for Mine Development and Operation of Underground as well Opencast mines (Coal as well as Metal). The company’s dedicated and competent mining engineers and business leaders are also offering their high-level services in government and private companies in the fields of mineral processing, crushing & screening and maintenance services.

The Haldibari mine produces coal for various government-operated power plants, playing a vital role in India’s energy infrastructure. Pramod Dwivedi, Production Manager at TMC, emphasizes the strategic importance of this mine:
“Haldibari mine is one of the best mines in the SECL (South Eastern Coalfields Limited) region. With two coal seams, we can carry out both standard and low-height continuous mining, enabling us to maximize productivity.”

The role of the Sandvik MC350 continuous miner

The introduction of Sandvik’s MC350 continuous miner has revolutionized operations at Haldibari. This machine, renowned for its efficiency, reliability, and safety features, has significantly enhanced the mine’s production capabilities. Anjan Kumar, an experienced operator at TMC, highlights the difference:
“I’ve operated various machines in India, but the Sandvik MC350 stands out. Its advanced features, particularly the fault detection system, make it easier to identify and resolve issues swiftly.”

The MC350 is equipped with an intelligent diagnostic display that notifies operators of any faults, such as electrical issues or water pressure problems. This reduces downtime and ensures the machine operates at peak efficiency. Anjan adds, “With other machines, identifying the root cause of a breakdown involves a lengthy process. With the MC350, we get real-time notifications, saving us time and effort.”

Key features of the Sandvik MC350:

Boosting productivity: advanced shear-up capability results in increased cutting utilization with higher coal output.
Higher cutting force: the continuous miner has a higher weight class, allowing greater cutting force supported with 350 kW motor power
Real-time fault detection: immediate notifications of mechanical and electrical issues.
Enhanced safety: automatic shutdown upon remote mishandling or accidental drops.
Increased running time: machine health monitoring creates a longer running time, by minimizing downtime and decreasing overall costs.
Top-performance: MC350 is a top-performing continuous miner designed for coal and potash mining and is ideal for working environments with limited spaces.

The machine also incorporates safety features designed to protect operators. Komal Deshmukh, a service technician at TMC, explains:
“If the remote-control tilts or falls, the machine stops instantly, ensuring the safety of everyone on-site. It’s a critical feature that enhances operator confidence and minimizes accidents. He further added that the remote-control transmitter is equipped with 29 control elements and a full-color graphics display that helps the operator to operate the machine safely with high efficiency and information. There are also two tram enable buttons located on the front of the remote-control transmitter housing.”

Productivity milestones and future goals

Since the deployment of the MC350, the Haldibari mine has experienced a surge in coal production. Pramod Dwivedi proudly states:

“We produce more coal compared to other OEM machines after deploying the Sandvik MC350 continuous miner. To date, we have achieved 56,825 tonnes of coal in a single month, and we aim to reach 70,000 tonnes under the present mining conditions.”

This ambitious target aligns with Coal India’s broader vision of ramping up coal production across its operations. M.K. Mahto, Sub-Area Manager of Coal India at Haldibari, underscores this vision:
“Currently, Coal India produces around 800 million tonnes annually, but we aim to surpass 1 billion tonnes in the near future. The deployment of continuous miners like the MC350 is crucial for achieving this goal.”

The mine has adopted a two-step mining process—development followed by depillaring—to efficiently extract coal from its seams. Vijay Kumar Raikwar, Mine Manager of of Coal India at Haldibari, explains:
“We began by developing the bottom seam and have now moved to depillaring from the deeper sections of the mine. This systematic approach, coupled with the MC350’s capabilities, ensures we maintain steady progress.”

Project milestones:

Monthly coal production milestone: 56,825 tonnes.
Operational lifespan: 25 years and still going, ensuring long-term coal supply.

Strengthening partnerships and enhancing efficiency

The collaboration between Sandvik and TMC goes beyond supplying machinery. Sandvik’s commitment to providing excellent service and support has solidified their partnership with TMC and Coal India. Vishwajit Kumar, Cluster Head of TMC, praises this relationship:
“Sandvik’s service is exceptional. They meet our requirements promptly, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum output. Their team’s proactive approach in identifying and resolving issues is a testament to their expertise.”

Vijay Kumar Raikwar echoes this sentiment:
“The Sandvik team working here is fantastic. They have a strong bond with our team, enabling seamless communication and efficient problem-solving. Their ability to identify breakdowns in time and rectify them promptly has been crucial in maintaining high productivity levels.”

The strategic partnership has also helped TMC manage operational costs effectively while prioritizing safety. Dwivedi shares his vision for the future:
“Our aim is to eliminate drilling and blasting methods by introducing more continuous miners like the Sandvik MC350. This approach will enhance safety, reduce manpower deployment, and lower our cost per tonne.”

Benefits of the Sandvik-TMC partnership:

Reliable parts management: quick fulfillment of operational needs.
Efficient issue resolution: timely identification and rectification of breakdowns.
Cost-effective operations: reduction in manpower and increased safety standards.

A promising future for Indian coal mining

The success of the Sandvik MC350 at Haldibari has set a benchmark for other mining projects in India. With the demonstrated efficiency, safety, and reliability of continuous miners, TMC plans to expand its fleet. Vishwajit Kumar expresses optimism about future projects:
“We’re definitely going to recommend this machine. For our upcoming projects, which are set to start next year, we plan to procure one or two more Sandvik MC350 units.”

This forward-looking approach not only promises to boost coal production but also paves the way for a safer and more sustainable mining industry in India. With continuous support from Sandvik and the dedication of TMC, the Haldibari mine is well on its way to achieving its ambitious goals and setting new standards for coal mining in India.

The Haldibari mine project is a testament to how innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to safety can drive the future of mining in India, ensuring a steady and reliable coal supply for the nation’s power needs.

Quick facts about the Haldibari coal mine project: