Vedanta Aluminium pioneers AI-driven mining safety with real-time drone surveillance in Odisha

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium manufacturer, launched an AI-powered drone system at its Jamkhani coal mine in Odisha. The drone, which started operations on February 13, 2025, provides a real-time solution for blasting clearance and danger zone monitoring. 

Image Source: https://vedantaaluminium.com/

Equipped with advanced software, the AI-powered drone offers real-time aerial views and automatically captures the movements of humans, animals, and vehicles within a 500-meter blasting zone. This enables officials to remotely monitor operations and receive automated alerts about any activity on the ground through live streaming. The system also allows seamless audio communication between officials, the drone pilot, and the blasting officer, ensuring precise coordination and operational efficiency.

Additionally, the drone provides aerial view and subsequent insights through the Time-in-Use Model (TUM). This model measures planned versus actual cut rates, real-time coal exposure, machinery utilisation, and the analysis of dispatch and stock quality.

Commenting on the significance of the initiative, Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, safety is a key priority. The integration of Al-powered drones in our mining safety protocols is a significant step forward in ensuring a safer work environment while improving monitoring and compliance. We remain committed to adopting best-in-class digital solutions for the well-being of our workforce.”

The Jamkhani coal mine stands as Vedanta’s pilot greenfield coal mine and marks the first private greenfield mine in Odisha. Fully operational, it decisively meets the coal demands of Vedanta’s Jharsuguda plant, the largest aluminium smelter in the world.

At the same time, highlighting the initiative, David Stone, CEO Coal Mines, added, “The introduction of this drone-based monitoring system sets a new benchmark in mine safety. By providing real-time surveillance and instant communication capabilities, it empowers our teams with greater situational awareness and risk mitigation strategies.”

By collaborating with Vedanta’s Spark initiative, the business giant aims to use innovative technologies to achieve operational excellence. This project takes enhancing safety measures within mining operations a step closer.

Amitesh Sinha, Vice President & Head - CVC & Spark, emphasised the critical role of corporate collaboration with startups, stating, “The deployment of this drone project in partnership with Vedanta Aluminium’s Mines team and Skylark Drones reflects our commitment to safety through innovative solutions. The Spark program is actively working with the Vedanta Aluminium team to identify key operational areas, introducing over 70 startups and deploying more than 100 projects. By leveraging technologies like Al, robotics, IoT, and smart safety solutions, we are driving innovation to transform manufacturing.”

This is not the first instance where Vedanta Aluminium has driven innovation in the mining sector by deploying advanced technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. 

In a bold move to streamline operations, the aluminium production entity launched an innovative operational dashboard at its Jamkhani Coal Mine in Odisha. This state-of-the-art digital platform, developed in-house by a dedicated team, integrates real-time data, optimises performance metrics and automates routine processes.

This cutting-edge solution is part of the company’s broader strategy to implement digital transformation across its operations. By embracing AI-powered drone technology and advanced analytics, Vedanta Aluminium is poised to drive efficiency, boost productivity and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving aluminium industry.