**Executive Summary**
This report discusses South Eastern Coalfields Limited's (SECL) digital transformation initiative, DigiCOAL, which was showcased at the Central Vigilance Commission's National Workshop on “Digital Initiatives for Increasing Transparency in Governance” on 11 February 2026 in New Delhi. DigiCOAL aims to modernise and digitise the mining sector, promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Overview of DigiCOAL:**
* DigiCOAL is a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed to strengthen operational oversight and institutional accountability across mining activities.
* It integrates advanced technologies into core processes, enhancing real-time monitoring, data analytics, and decision-making capabilities.
* **Key Components of DigiCOAL:**
* **Real-Time HEMM Fleet Monitoring:** Sensor-based systems track heavy earth moving machinery, enabling automated detection of anomalies and reducing operational inefficiencies.
* **Video Analytics and Connected Worker Systems:** Enhances safety compliance, operational control, and emergency response mechanisms.
* **Drone-Based Surveillance:** Uses drones for mine surveys to identify encroachments, monitor haul roads and slopes, and assess drainage systems, strengthening preventive monitoring and regulatory compliance.
* **Data-Driven Mine Planning:** Employs advanced analytics and optimized drilling and blasting systems to make production processes more scientific, efficient, and measurable.
* **Integrated Digital Platforms:** Digital land records, online training modules, spare management systems, and a centralised digital war room collectively create a tamper-proof and unified digital governance framework.
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Coal**
* **Impact:** Reinforces the Ministry's policy direction towards technology-led transformation and transparent governance in the coal and mining sector.
* **Action Required:** Continue supporting and promoting the adoption of digital initiatives like DigiCOAL to enhance efficiency and accountability.
**South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)**
* **Impact:** Positions SECL as a leader in digital transformation within the coal industry, enhancing its operational efficiency and accountability.
* **Action Required:** Continue implementing and refining DigiCOAL initiatives across mining operations.
**Coal India Limited**
* **Impact:** Adoption of the DigiCOAL initiative in its subsidiary, SECL, helps the overall commitment of Coal India Limited to build a future-ready, accountable, and digitally empowered mining ecosystem.
* **Action Required:** Consider adopting and implementing similar programs in the wider operations of Coal India Limited.
**Mining Sector Employees/Workers**
* **Impact:** Potentially safer and more accountable mining practices with Video Analytics and Connected Worker Systems.
* **Action Required:** Training on new systems and procedures to make best use of the technological improvements.
Key Entities Referenced
DigiCOAL: Flagship digital transformation initiative of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) showcased at a national workshop.
Ministry of Coal: The ministry providing policy direction and strategic guidance for the DigiCOAL initiative.
Central Vigilance Commission: Organization that hosted the National Workshop on “Digital Initiatives for Increasing Transparency in Governance” where DigiCOAL was showcased.
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL): Subsidiary of Coal India Limited that developed and showcased the DigiCOAL initiative.
Ministry of Coal
SECL’s DigiCOAL Showcased at Central
Vigilance Commission’s National Workshop
Posted On: 12 FEB 2026 7:24PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant recognition of Coal Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernise and digitise the mining sector,
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal,
showcased its flagship digital transformation initiative, DigiCOAL, at the National Workshop on “Digital
Initiatives for Increasing Transparency in Governance” organised by the Central Vigilance Commission at
the SCOPE Convention Centre in New Delhi on 11 February 2026.
The presentation of DigiCOAL at a national platform underscores the larger policy direction and strategic
guidance of the Ministry of Coal, which has consistently emphasised transparency, accountability, and
technology-led transformation in the coal and mining sector. The initiative reflects the Ministry’s long-
term vision to make mining operations more efficient, data-driven, and digitally integrated, aligning with
the Government of India’s broader push toward transparent governance.Driving Transparency Through Digital Transformation
DigiCOAL represents a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed to strengthen operational oversight and
institutional accountability across mining activities. By integrating advanced technologies into core
processes, SECL has enhanced real-time monitoring, data analytics, and decision-making capabilities.
Key components of the initiative include:
Real-Time HEMM Fleet Monitoring: Sensor-based systems track heavy earth moving machinery
such as shovels, dumpers, and dozers, monitoring location, operating hours, and fuel consumption.
The system enables automated detection of anomalies such as unusual fuel drops, excessive idle
time, and route deviations, thereby reducing operational inefficiencies and improving transparency.
Video Analytics and Connected Worker Systems: These technologies enhance safety compliance,
operational control, and emergency response mechanisms, contributing to safer and more
accountable mining practices.
Drone-Based Surveillance: The use of drones for mine surveys enables precise identification of
encroachments, monitoring of haul roads and slopes, and assessment of drainage systems,
particularly during the monsoon season. This strengthens preventive monitoring and regulatory
compliance.
Data-Driven Mine Planning: Advanced analytics and optimised drilling and blasting systems have
made production processes more scientific, efficient, and measurable.
Integrated Digital Platforms: Digital land records, online training modules, spare management
systems, and a centralised digital war room collectively create a tamper-proof and unified digital
governance framework.The inclusion of DigiCOAL as a model initiative in the national workshop on transparency highlights how
policy direction from the Ministry of Coal, combined with technology adoption at the operational level, is
reshaping the mining landscape. Initiatives such as DigiCOAL demonstrate how the sector is evolving to
meet national energy demands responsibly—through greater transparency, enhanced efficiency, and
technology-enabled governance. This recognition reinforces the commitment of the coal sector to build a
future-ready, accountable, and digitally empowered mining ecosystem.
****
Shuhaib T
(Release ID: 2227231) Visitor Counter : 159
Read this release in: Urdu , ही