SatelliteMonitoring – AI-Powered ISRO System to Strengthen Detection of Underground Coal Fires
SatelliteMonitoring – Coal India Limited is set to introduce an advanced satellite-based monitoring system developed in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to improve the detection and management of underground coal fires, particularly in vulnerable mining regions across India.
Coal India and ISRO Join Hands for Smart Mine Surveillance
Coal India Limited (CIL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), a key centre under ISRO, to build an intelligent satellite-powered geospatial dashboard for monitoring mining activities. The initiative is expected to transform the way coal mines are supervised by integrating artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and predictive analytics into routine surveillance.
The newly planned digital platform will provide real-time insights into mining operations while improving the overall accuracy and transparency of monitoring. Officials believe the system will help identify potential risks much earlier than conventional methods.
Jharia Underground Fires Expected to Receive Greater Attention
One of the major beneficiaries of this technological initiative is likely to be the Jharia coalfield in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district, where underground coal fires have continued to burn for several decades. The persistent fires have created serious environmental, safety, and land stability concerns in the region.
Using satellite imagery combined with AI-driven analysis, the proposed dashboard will help detect underground heat signatures, assess the possible expansion of fire-affected areas, and continuously monitor locations that remain at high risk. Predictive analytics will further assist authorities in anticipating changes before they become more severe, enabling quicker and more informed decisions.
Advanced Technology to Improve Monitoring Standards
According to Coal India Limited, the upcoming platform has been designed to strengthen surveillance capabilities while making mine monitoring more efficient and reliable. By combining satellite-based observations with intelligent data processing, the system aims to support better planning, improve operational oversight, and enhance transparency in mining management.
The organization said the collaboration represents an important step toward adopting modern technologies for safer and more sustainable mining practices across its operational areas.
Agreement Signed Through Virtual Ceremony
Coal India Limited shared details of the partnership through its official communication, confirming that the Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, under the Department of Space, Government of India.
The agreement was completed through an online programme hosted by the NRSC in Hyderabad. Representatives from Coal India Limited joined the event virtually from the company’s corporate headquarters in Kolkata.
Officials stated that the satellite-enabled geospatial dashboard will support monitoring as well as visualization of mining activities across Coal India-operated mines. The initiative reflects the growing use of advanced digital technologies in India’s mining sector and highlights the increasing role of satellite data in improving industrial safety and operational efficiency.
As development of the platform moves forward, authorities expect the combination of satellite imagery, AI, machine learning, and predictive analysis to provide a stronger framework for monitoring underground coal fires and supporting long-term mine management across the country.