Dhanbad: With mining rapidly moving towards electrification, battery technology is emerging as a key driver of safer, cleaner and more efficient operations. The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Dhanbad, organised a National Seminar on “Batteries for Mining Sector – Challenges and the Way Forward (BMS-2026)” at its headquarters auditorium on Monday.The seminar brought together regulators, mining companies, battery manufacturers, researchers, academicians and industry experts to discuss battery-powered mining equipment, electric vehicles, next-generation Battery Management Systems, digitalisation, safety standards and regulatory needs.Uday A Kaole, CMD, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, said battery-powered equipment can reduce dependence on conventional fuels, improve energy efficiency and support sustainable mining, but challenges related to reliability, thermal safety, charging infrastructure, battery management and regulatory compliance need urgent attention.IIEST-Shibpur director VMSR Murthy and CSIR-CIMFR director Arvind Kumar Mishra stressed knowledge-sharing and innovation while IIT (ISM) Dhanbad director Sukumar Mishra emphasised “safety-by-design” in battery technologies.The BMS-2026 souvenir, featuring technical contributions on battery technologies, electric mining equipment, safety and emerging regulatory requirements, was released. Of 32 technical papers received, 28 were published and 14 presented during technical sessions.
