KORBA: India’s first 21 CuM capacity electro-hydraulic face shovel has been commissioned at South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) Gevra Mega Project in Korba district. SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Harish Duhan inaugurated the advanced mining equipment at a ceremony held at the project on Saturday.
Gevra is Asia’s largest coal mine and the commissioning of the high-capacity shovel is expected to further enhance coal production capacity while strengthening safe, modern and efficient mining operations.
SECL Director (Technical, Planning & Projects) Ramesh Chandra Mahapatra was also present on the occasion.
The 21 CuM electro-hydraulic face shovel has been equipped with several advanced safety and operator-centric features, including a 360-degree camera, Operator Fatigue Monitoring System, air-suspension seat, adjustable joysticks, hydraulic access stairs, gas-based fire suppression system and a FOPS-compliant safety cabin.
The machine has also been integrated with SECL’s Fleet Management System (FMS), enabling real-time monitoring of its performance and operational efficiency. With an annual production capacity of around 5.31 million cubic metres, the shovel is expected to contribute significantly to improving productivity, safety and operational efficiency at the Gevra Mega Project.
AGM Sanjay Mishra, along with senior officers and employees of the Gevra Project, was present during the commissioning ceremony.
