New Delhi: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is set to implement an Artificial Intelligence-enabled safety mechanism aimed at ensuring the security of its workforce and equipment. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Annual Mines Safety Fortnight 2024-25, which began with a safety awareness rally led by Uday Anant Kaole, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of MCL.
 

Kaole highlighted the company’s commitment to workplace safety and its innovative use of technology in mining operations. “Safety of our personnel and equipment has always been a cornerstone of our work culture. MCL has been a pioneer in innovative use of technology, like surface miners, which has transformed the coal sector through blast-less coal extraction. I am happy to announce that MCL will fully utilise the capabilities of AI-powered systems to further enhance the safety of our employees and machinery,” Kaole said, urging everyone to integrate personal safety into their daily routines.
 

The event also saw participation from senior MCL officials, including Director (Personnel) Keshav Rao, Chief Vigilance Officer P K Patel, Director (Technical-Operations/Projects & Planning) J K Borah, and Director (Finance) A K Behura. A Safety Flag was unfurled at the company’s headquarters in a ceremony led by Patel and Borah, while Krishnendu Mondal, Director of Mines Safety (Mining) for Bhubaneswar Region-1, joined virtually from the South-Eastern Zone in Ranchi to address employees.
 

The safety fortnight will feature various activities and competitions across MCL’s operational areas in Sundergarh, Jharsuguda, and Angul districts in Odisha, reinforcing the importance of safety in mining operations. 

BI Bureau