RSN: “TEXMiN”— technology innovation hub was inaugurated at IIT-ISM Dhanbad by Dr S Chandrasekhar, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Science & Technology on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Chandrasekhar lauded the technologies developed by TEXMiN including the cutting edge telematics platform that enables real time monitoring and optimization of vehicles and asset movements in Mines.
He also mentioned about the web enabled illumination surveying equipment and AI powered e surveillance system developed at TEXMiN as a major technology which ensures greater safety and enhanced efficiency or workers.
“I am glad that TEXMiN established at IIT (ISM), an having over 97 years’ experience in Mining and other earth science study is carrying forward the National Mission for Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical system of DST,” said Dr S Chandrasekhar who carried out the inauguration as chief guest of event joined the function online from his office in New Delhi.
He, however, advised the experts that the technologies developed here do not remain confined to usage, startup as first phase, activity and called upon the researchers to ensure the further development of the technologies at advance level to ensure its further usage at larger scale by garnering more funds.
Professor Rajiv Shekhar, Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad while delivering the welcome address threw light on the two year journey of TEXMiN established in 2020 and said that the journey of TEXMiN has so far been quite amazing.
Terming the inauguration of TEXMiN held today as momentous occasion he said, “The proposal of DST for establishing centre under the National Mission for Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical System came before the Covid and we decided to go for establish center for carrying out translational research and promote Innovation in the field of Mining and Exploration”.
Though, initially we were not very much aware about its potential but picture started making clear gradually with big mining players like Dassault (for setting up of Mine Excellence Centre), ESCI (for setting up of Geospatial Centre at TEXMiN), Sandvik (For establishing Mine Automation Learning Centre), Coal India (for launching of Innovation & incubation Centre) and Adani (for setting up S3 Mining Excellence Centre) joining hands with us, he said adding, “once they further laid focus on more innovative technologies realizing the fact after two years there will be no funding from DST.” He also gave details of the technologies developed for Odisha Mining Corporation and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited.
Jeremy Kilburn, Provost, Curtin University, Australia who was present during the function as Guest of Honor said: that Curtin University has collaborated with TEXMiN for the production & safer mining operation with aid of latest technology.
Saifullah Ansari, Director (MSE), Directorate General of Mines Safety in his speech underlined the significance of innovative technologies for ensuring greater safety during Mining Operations.
Professor Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) who is also Project Director of TEXMiN while addressing the gathering gave details of facilities developed at TEXMiN as well as areas of expertise and collaborative work being carried and said, “Altogether 21 startups are working at present with TEXMiN as incubates developing one or other innovative technology” and added that though it has been established over two ago but the inauguration was carried out today as they wanted to make announcement with the solid evidence of some breaking Research & Development work carried out by it.
