Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer, has launched an AI-powered drone system at its Jamkhani coal mine in Odisha. This innovative solution, developed under Vedanta’s Spark program, aims to improve safety during blasting operations and enhance danger zone monitoring.
The advanced drone uses AI software to conduct real-time aerial surveillance. It can detect and track human, animal, and vehicle movements within a 500-meter radius of the blasting zone. This allows officials to monitor activities remotely and receive instant alerts about unauthorized entries through live streaming. The system also enables clear audio communication between officials, drone pilots, and blasting officers, ensuring better coordination and operational efficiency.
The AI-powered drone addresses blind spots that traditional ground-based systems often miss. If unauthorized access or unusual activity is detected, the system sends immediate alerts, allowing quick corrective action. The Jamkhani coal mine, Vedanta’s first greenfield coal project in Odisha, supplies fuel to the company’s Jharsuguda plant, one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters.
Sunil Gupta, COO of Vedanta Aluminium, stressed the company’s focus on safety. “Safety is a top priority for us. By integrating AI-powered drones into our mining operations, we are taking a significant step toward creating a safer workplace while improving monitoring and compliance. We are committed to adopting advanced digital solutions for the well-being of our workforce,” he said.
David Stone, CEO of Vedanta’s Coal Mines, praised the initiative. “This AI-driven drone system raises the bar for mine safety. It provides real-time surveillance and instant communication, enhancing situational awareness and risk management,” he noted. Vedanta Aluminium is also leveraging other technologies like AI, robotics, IoT, and smart safety solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability across its operations.
Amitesh Sinha, Vice President & Head – CVC & Spark, emphasized the importance of collaboration with startups. “This project, developed with Skylark Drones and Vedanta’s Mines team, highlights our commitment to safety through innovation. Through the Spark program, we’ve partnered with over 70 startups and implemented more than 100 projects, using next-generation technologies to transform industrial processes,” he said.
Beyond technological advancements, Vedanta Aluminium is actively contributing to the socio-economic development of Odisha. The company supports initiatives in education, healthcare, infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods, and grassroots sports, reinforcing its commitment to community growth.
This deployment of AI-powered drones marks a significant milestone in Vedanta Aluminium’s efforts to combine innovation with safety, setting a new standard for the mining industry.
