New Delhi, February 18: Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, announced on Wednesday that artificial intelligence (AI) is being tested to boost production, prevent theft, and enhance efficiency and safety in the country’s mining sector.
In an interview with a news agency, Reddy stated, “AI can significantly increase productivity in mines. Additionally, it can be utilized to curb theft and improve efficiency and safety. Currently, we are in the testing phase.”
He further mentioned that officials from the Ministry of Mines are attending a summit to explore new ways to implement AI in mining, aiming to enhance productivity.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted that AI is also being used to deliver government welfare schemes to the public effectively. He noted that under the Prime Minister’s Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, over 800 million people are receiving food grains. Presently, they are employing smart warehouses, smart public distribution systems, and the Anna Chakra AI tool. This tool has helped save ₹250 crores through route optimization, enabling better identification of nearby warehouses for public distribution.
Union Minister Manohar Lal emphasized the crucial role AI can play in the electricity supply sector. He stated that AI can provide accurate and timely information in electricity supply, potentially resolving many existing issues. This will also help ensure 24-hour electricity supply to all consumers.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 strengthens India’s role as a key platform for shaping the global AI agenda. Based on seven cycles and three threads—people, planet, and progress—the summit aims to develop a growth-oriented framework for AI.
This summit focuses on three main pillars: people, the world, and progress, and is driven by seven thematic working groups covering AI for economic growth and social good; democratization of AI resources; inclusion for social empowerment; safe and reliable AI; human capital; science; and resilience, innovation, and efficiency.
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