Diversified Transportation Infrastructure In Kutch Region For Proliferation of Mining Industry & Best Practices In Mining

Prepared By: 1. Dhruval H.Bhatt

2. Kevin a.vara

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Mining Engineers Association of India�Kutch Local Centre, Ahmedabad Chapter�Umarsar Lignite Project

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• Significance of the Mining Sector in Kutch:�
• Gujarat contributes over 9% of India’s total mineral production, with Kutch playing a crucial role.

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• The mining sector contributes significantly to employment generation, infrastructure development, and regional economic growth.

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• Government policies and FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in the mining sector have further encouraged private participation and modernization.

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• Introduction

• Kutch is a major hub for mining industries like lignite,Bauxite,Bentonite,Limestone and gypsum, which are critical for industries like power generation, cement manufacturing, and aluminum production.
• Strong transportation infrastructure supports mineral extraction and export.
• Ports, highways and railways drive economic growth in the region.
• Sustainable mining practices are increasingly being adopted.

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• Mining Industry in Kutch: Past, Present & Future:

• Past: Traditional mining with manual extraction and limited transport.
• Present: Large-scale mining with mechanization and Transport minerals by Roads.
• Future: Green mining, Automation, Railway, AI-based logistics, and offshore mineral exploration.

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• The growth of mining in Kutch is directly tied to advancements in transportation infrastructure, including:�
• Road networks connecting mining areas to processing plants and ports.
• Railway freight corridors ensuring bulk transport at low costs.
• Ports facilitating large-scale exports of minerals.
• Air connectivity improving business efficiency.
• Conveyor System efficient, continuous movement of bulk materials such as coal, ore, and overburden.

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• A. Road Network:

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• Kutch has a 1000+ km road network, ensuring mineral transportation.
• NH-41 (Gandhi Dham - Bhuj - Mandvi) and NH-8A connect mines to ports.
• Dedicated mineral transport corridors are planned to reduce congestion.�
• What can be done apart from this ?

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Electric trucks in development for faster and cleaner transport.�

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• PM Gatishakti:
• GatiShakti is a national master plan for multimodal connectivity, integrating infrastructure schemes like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry/land ports, and UDAN, aiming to improve logistics and economic zones connectivity.
• Observation:

Road networks are usually cost efficient when the transportation location is nearby. We generally use Diesel truck transportation but instead we can use cheaper transportation like Electric Trucks.

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• B. Railways:

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• The Gandhidham - Mundra - Adipur freight corridor is crucial for Mineral transport.
• Indian Railways' Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) reduce transport costs by 30%.
• Future expansion: Electrification of rail routes for sustainable mining logistics.
• Central Govt. has Developed Bhuj Naliya Rail Line Gauge Conversion So that the transportation from Lakhpath becomes easy and cost efficient. ���

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• What can be done apart from this ?

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• We can use supply chain & Inventory management method for the production units to transport from the Excavation point to nearest railway station Werehouse by road and from Warehouse to distribution centres via railway using this will be cost efficient as we can transport bulk produce by railway and with inventory management the operating cost can be reduced .

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• PM Gatishakti: The scheme aims to create a seamless and efficient network of roads, railways and mass transportation.

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• C. Ports & Water Transport:

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• Mundra Port (Adani Group) handles over 200 million tons of cargo annually.
• Kandla Port (Deendayal Port) is a major exporter of raw minerals.
• Government proposes inland water transport on rivers for minerals.
• Ports facilitating large-scale exports of minerals.
• Bentonite is exported to countries like Australia, Thailand, Kuwait, Sudan, East Asian countries, Persian Gulf, and European countries.
• Other Minerals such as limestone, silica sand, and clay is also being exported.  

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• D. Air Connectivity:

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• Bhuj Airport and upcoming cargo terminals for high-value mineral exports.
• Improved air connectivity helps executives and investors in mining.

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• E. Conveyor System:

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• We can also use different types of conveyor systems for transportation in specific areas such as mining site to processing plants or stockpiles.
• UTCL using conveyor system for transportation of limestone from mines to plant.

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• Present & future scenario of Transportation by GMDC:

• Umarsar Lignite Mines transport Lignite approx 5000 Tn/Day by Road.
• Mata No Madh Lignite Mines transport Lignite approx 10000 Tn/Day by Road.
• Gadhsisha Bauxite Project transport Bauxite approx. 1000 Tn/Day by Road.
• GMDC has signed a long term supply agreement with JK Cement for Limestone unlocking new opportunities for regional growth, industrial development.
• Apx. 626 MMt Limestone and Apx. 100 MMt Lignite extractable reserve found in upcoming project Lakhpat.

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• Case Studies - Leading Mining Companies:

• GMDC: Largest Lignite producer, Bauxite and investing in Cement and renewable energy.
• Adani Group: Integrated port-to-power supply chain.
• Ultratech Group: Export leader in cement sector.
• Ashapura Group: Export leader in Bauxite and Bentonite with green mining initiatives.

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• Conclusion:�
• The diversified transport infrastructure of Kutch plays a crucial role in supporting and accelerating the growth of its mining industry. With well-connected road networks, ports, and railways, the region has become a strategic hub for mineral transportation and exports.�
• Government initiatives, including investment in logistics, digital transformation, and policy reforms, are set to further modernize mining operations. Sustainability and technology integration will be key in shaping the future of mining in Kutch, with companies adopting AI-driven logistics,renewable energy solutions and eco-friendly extraction practices.�
• Moving forward, smart mining, automation, and ethical sourcing will enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact. By leveraging innovation and sustainable practices, Kutch can position itself as a leader in responsible and efficient mining on a global scale.�

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Thank You

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