Udaipur, April 9, 2026 (Daily Kiran): Hindustan Zinc has introduced an advanced tele-remote drilling system at its Rajpura Dariba mine, marking a significant step towards smart and digitally enabled underground mining operations.
The technology enables engineers to control underground drilling equipment from the surface with real-time precision. Currently effective at a distance of over 600 metres, the system can be extended up to 800 metres and operates at a rate of 60 metres per hour. Supported by robust wireless connectivity, it allows continuous drilling during blasting cycles and shift changes, improving utilisation and efficiency, and enabling up to 17 percent increase in overall productivity.
The tele-remote drilling system is already operational at the company’s Sindesar Khurd and Rampura Agucha mines, where it has delivered improvements in safety, equipment utilisation, and production efficiency. Its implementation at Rajpura Dariba reflects the company’s focus on scaling high-performance mining technologies across operations.
Commenting on the development, CEO and Whole-Time Director Arun Misra said the deployment highlights the company’s commitment to building smart, future-ready mining systems driven by automation and digital innovation. He added that integrating advanced technologies is helping enhance performance, reliability, and sustainability while setting new benchmarks for the mining industry in India.
Hindustan Zinc continues to drive innovation in the metals and mining sector by deploying advanced technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Through its Vedanta Spark deep-tech ventures initiative, the company is currently working on over 50 projects with more than 20 technology startups across areas such as production growth, cost optimisation, value creation, ESG leadership, and improved safety practices.
The company has integrated robotics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Industrial Internet of Things into its operations. Recently, it also announced the implementation of an advanced AI-powered camera surveillance system to enhance workplace safety, operational efficiency, and compliance monitoring, resulting in nearly 50 percent reduction in human intervention.
In addition, robotic automation has been deployed in high-temperature smelting operations to improve precision, streamline metallurgical workflows, and ensure consistent product quality. Looking ahead, the company is set to introduce LiDAR-enabled drone-based stope scanning to enhance underground mine mapping accuracy and optimise extraction planning.
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