Coal India arm Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has deployed AI-driven drones to assess green cover and environmental restoration efforts at one of its coal mines in West Bengal, marking a significant step toward technology-led sustainable mining.
The advanced drones, equipped with artificial intelligence and high-resolution imaging systems, are being used to accurately map vegetation, monitor plantation density, and evaluate the health of reclaimed mining areas. The initiative aims to provide precise, real-time data on afforestation progress and ecological balance in and around mining zones.
Officials said the use of AI-enabled aerial surveys will help ECL improve environmental planning, track compliance with green norms, and enhance transparency in reporting. The move aligns with the broader sustainability goals of parent company Coal India, which has been focusing on integrating digital technologies to balance coal production with environmental responsibility.