In mining, the only acceptable number in safety is zero >>> Amitava Mukherjee,,CMD NMDC

MEAI Mining 4.0 Conference Begins in Hyderabad; Amitava Mukherjee Calls for 'Smart, Safe, Sustainable' Mining

Hyderabad, June 12, 2026: The Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI) today began its two-day National Conference on “Mining 4.0: Advanced Technologies for Safe and Sustainable Mining Operations” in Hyderabad. The conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director, NMDC, in the presence of industry leaders, mining professionals, academicians, and senior officials.

Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), NMDC and Chairman, MEAI Hyderabad Chapter, presided over the event, while Shri Joydeep Dasgupta, Director (Production), NMDC, participated as a Guest of Honour.

The first day of the conference saw discussions around how technology is steadily reshaping mining operations. Sessions focused on the growing use of digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence, geospatial systems, and smart monitoring technologies in improving mine safety, operational efficiency, and environmental performance.

Speaking at the event, Shri Amitava Mukherjee said, “In mining, the only acceptable number in safety is zero. Safety and sustainability must go hand in hand, and technology is helping us strengthen both. Today, digitalisation and automation are transforming mining operations, making them safer, more efficient and more responsible. As demand for iron ore, steel and critical minerals continues to grow, the mining industry has a tremendous opportunity before it. At the same time, we must ensure that growth is driven by responsible mining, continuous innovation and value creation for all stakeholders. Conferences like MEAI help us learn from each other, gain new perspectives and return better prepared for the future”

A key theme across the conference was the need to move research and innovation beyond presentations and into practical mining applications that can make a real difference on the ground.

The inaugural function  concluded with a felicitation ceremony recognising professionals and experts for their contribution to the mining sector and its evolving technological landscape. Among those felicitated were Shri S. Krishnamurthy, Former Executive Director, NMDC and Former Secretary General, MEAI; Shri Akshaya Datt Tripathi, Former Executive Director, NMDC; Dr. K. Srinivas, Retired Professor of Eminence, Department of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University; and Dr. K. V. Shankar, Retired Professor of Eminence, Department of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University.

Through its participation at the conference, NMDC highlighted its focus on using new technologies, encouraging innovation and strengthening responsible mining practices for safer and more sustainable operations. At NMDC, we are introducing systems like automated drills, remote sensing, digital monitoring platforms, and real-time analytics to improve the way mines are managed and operated.

The conference will continue on June 13 with technical sessions, expert interactions, and discussions on emerging trends shaping the future of mining.