Vedanta Aluminium Unveils AI Drone for Mine Safety
Vedanta Aluminium has introduced its first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered drone-based solution for blasting clearance and danger zone monitoring at its Jamkhani coal mine in Odisha. Collaborating with Vedanta’s Spark initiative to leverage innovative technologies towards achieving operational excellence, this project marks a significant leap in enhancing safety measures in its mining operations.
Equipped with cutting-edge software, the AI-powered drone provides real-time aerial views and automatic capturing of movements of humans, animals and vehicles around a 500-meter blasting zone, enabling officials to remotely monitor operations and get automated alerts of any on-ground movement through live streaming. It also facilitates seamless audio communication between officials, the drone pilot, and the blasting officer, ensuring precise coordination and operational efficiency.
The drone’s AI capabilities enable it to autonomously detect objects and send real-time alerts, providing comprehensive surveillance of blind spots which may not be captured through ground surveillance. In case of unauthorized entry or anomalies, it triggers immediate alerts, allowing for swift corrective action.
Jamkhani coal mine is Vedanta’s first-ever greenfield coal mine in Odisha. The mine is fully operational and caters to the fuel requirements of Vedanta’s Jharsuguda plant, among the world’s largest aluminium smelters.
Commenting on the significance of the initiative, Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, safety is a key priority. The integration of AI-powered drones in our mining safety protocols is a significant step forward in ensuring a safer work environment while improving monitoring and compliance. We remain committed to adopting best-in-class digital solutions for the well-being of our workforce.”
Vedanta Aluminium continues to drive innovation in the mining sector by deploying advanced technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The AI-powered drone solution is part of the company’s broader strategy to implement digital transformation across its operations.
