India marked an important moment for its coal and mining sector with the inauguration of the Coal India Limited (CIL) pavilion at the India International Trade Fair 2025. The event, held on November 18 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, was inaugurated by G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Coal and Mines. The pavilion reflects how the country is reshaping its coal industry with modern technology, sustainability goals and a vision for long-term energy security.
The pavilion introduces visitors to a wide range of advancements. It features modern opencast mining technologies that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Another key attraction is the use of artificial intelligence in mining operations, showcasing how digital tools are improving monitoring, planning and safety. An Integrated Command and Control Centre model displays how CIL subsidiaries manage real-time operations across various locations.
A major crowd-puller is the virtual reality-based training system. This immersive setup allows trainees to experience hazardous mining conditions in a safe environment, enabling better preparedness without real-world risks. It highlights how technology is transforming training systems within the mining sector.
The pavilion also shines a spotlight on the Ministry of Coal’s push for coal gasification. This initiative is seen as central to creating cleaner coal-based technologies and reducing emissions. Alongside this, exhibits highlight efforts in eco-tourism around reclaimed mining areas, showing how mining land is being repurposed for community benefit.
Another important theme is the government’s strategy for acquiring critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. These minerals are essential for electric vehicles, batteries and high-end manufacturing. The pavilion explains how India is securing these resources through domestic exploration as well as global partnerships. This strategy aims to reduce import dependence and strengthen India’s position in key future-focused industries.
Officials emphasised that the pavilion is an opportunity to show the public how India’s coal sector is evolving. It offers a transparent view of the innovations and long-term planning happening within CIL and the Ministry of Coal. By interacting with these exhibits, visitors can better understand the role coal will continue to play in India’s energy mix, even as the country transitions toward cleaner technologies.
The launch of the CIL pavilion signals a shift in how India views its traditional industries. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to modernisation, safety, sustainability and strategic resource management. As global demand for critical minerals grows and energy conversations become more complex, the pavilion captures India’s efforts to adapt, innovate and prepare for the future.
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