Gainwell Engineering (GEPL), a leader in advanced mining solutions, has unveiled the first-ever domestically manufactured room and pillar mining equipment package. Delivered to Eastern Coalfields, the breakthrough equipment marks a significant milestone for the nation's manufacturing and coal mining sector. This major achievement furthers India’s efforts to establish itself as a global hub for manufacturing excellence while promoting the 'Make in India' initiative in an otherwise imports-dependent sector, as envisioned by the Prime Minister. It has also begun a new chapter in strengthening the nation's vision for self-reliance in the manufacturing of high-end capital goods.
The underground mining machines, continuous miner (Model GCM345) and feeder breaker (Model GFB110) are stellar examples of indigenous engineering excellence and technological innovation. These machines have been manufactured at GEPL’s state-of-the-art facility at Panagarh, West Bengal. GEPL secured the intellectual property (IP) license for the Room & Pillar Equipment technology from Caterpillar in 2021, ensuring the adoption of the latest and most efficient mining technologies. Complementing these advanced machines, the package also includes globally recognised equipment: Phillips Global Shuttle Cars, RHAM Roof Bolters, and AllenWest Power Centres. Together, they form a robust ensemble set to redefine efficiency and safety in mining operations.
India is committed to becoming self-reliant in its energy sector, with a healthy mix of fossil fuels and renewable sources of energy to fuel the developmental needs of a rapidly growing economy. The Ministry of Coal has set ambitious production targets, aiming for 1.3 billion tonnes of domestic coal production by FY2026 and 1.51 billion tonne by FY2030. Coal currently accounts for approximately 56 per cent of India’s primary commercial energy demand, with coal-based power generation contributing 72 per cent to total electricity production.
The UG Coal Vision Plan of Coal India under the UG Coal Mission of the Ministry of Coal, highlights the continued importance of coal in India’s energy mix while emphasising the adoption of environmentally sustainable mining techniques. The depletion of shallow opencast coal reserves necessitates a transition to more sustainable, socially responsible underground mining practices. Continuous miners are set to play a crucial role in this shift towards efficient underground mining solutions. Coal India has set an ambitious target of producing 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030 from underground mining projects. GEPL has planned for 140 continuous miner projects to achieve this goal. The company is well positioned and has created the capacity to meet this demand fully while achieving its export targets.
PM Prasad, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Coal India said on the occasion, “Coal continues to be the backbone of India's energy security, driving economic growth and industrial development. As the world's largest coal mining company, it is imperative that Coal India transition to more efficient and mechanised mining processes. Local manufacturing of room and pillar equipment especially continuous miner will be a big enabler to grow the coal production from underground mines. High production, continuous cutting technology are vital in meeting our underground production targets, and we are happy that Gainwell Engineering has started manufacturing this equipment in India. This will help us achieve our goal of 100 million tonnes of underground coal production by 2030."
Commenting on the occasion, Sunil Chaturvedi, Chairman, Gainwell Group said, "This achievement marks a significant step towards making India a global leader in manufacturing of innovative capital goods like mining equipment. At Gainwell Engineering, we are committed to excellence and innovation, and our state-of-the-art facility in Panagarh reflects this dedication. Gainwell Engineering has resolved to emerge as a large bespoke capital goods manufacturer in India serving critical needs of mining, railways, material handling and defence sectors not only for the domestic market but also for the large emerging exports possibilities. By launching manufacturing of high-end coal mining equipment, we have begun to not only cater to India's growing energy needs but also position India as a key player in the global mining technology market."
GEPL has recently exported from its Panagarh facility and commissioned a state of the art 370 Ton Highwall Miner, precision-engineered equipment for a customer in Queensland, Australia in Q4 2024 while the Continuous Miner will make a debut in the US in Q3 of 2025.
GEPL represents the best in designing, manufacturing, marketing and maintaining underground room and pillar equipment and Highwall Miner, for the global customer base. With a vision of becoming a globally recognised, technology-driven manufacturing leader, Gainwell Engineering develops and manufactures innovative, safe and sustainable equipment to unlock essential resources and meet the growing demands for infrastructure investments in the mining sector. The manufacturing business headquarters of the company is based in Kolkata, India, while the global business is managed through Gainwell Engineering Global, Singapore. Gainwell Engineering operates through a global network of sales offices, parts warehouses and service rebuild centres in key mining regions across America, Australia and Asia and extends exceptional value to all its customers. Gainwell Engineering envisions to drive sustainable progress, helping the customers Gain a better tomorrow.
