Tata Steel Pioneers Paste Filling in Mines

Innovative solution for coal mine safety with paste filling technology in Jharkhand

Tata Steel’s pioneering paste filling technology in Jharkhand offers a significant leap towards enhancing mine safety and environmental sustainability.

JAMSHEDPUR – Tata Steel has taken a significant step forward in mine safety and environmental conservation by commissioning a new Paste Filling Pilot Plant at Digwadih Colliery, Jharia, Jharkhand.

The inauguration took place on February 15, 2024, signaling the first of its kind initiative in India.

Vice President of Raw Materials at Tata Steel, D B Sundara Ramam, led the event.

Sanjay Rajoria and Dr. Prashant from Tata Steel and CSIR-CIMFR respectively were also present.

This collaboration between Tata Steel, IIT-Kharagpur, and CSIR-CIMFR marks a breakthrough in mining technology.

The technology aims to fill unapproachable coal voids beneath critical infrastructure, enhancing safety.

It utilizes a self-levelling fly ash, cement, and additive paste for efficient void filling.

Compared to traditional sand slurry methods, paste filling reduces complications like borehole chocking.

The paste will first be used under a railway line at Digwadih Colliery.

Success here could lead to mobile setups for extensive void filling, improving mine and fire site safety.

Tata Steel’s initiative also presents an eco-friendly alternative to river sand for backfilling mines.

The challenge of filling inaccessible coal voids has been a longstanding issue in mining safety.