Socio-cultural impediments to automation in Indian mines

Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Mining is an age-old industry that has propelled human progress and development. Despite India‟s economic prowess and richness in minerals, its mines are plagued with inefficiency and lack modern technology. In countries with well-developed mining industries, automation has proven to be a beneficial technology. Incorporating modern technologies into Indian mines is a challenging task due to many factors unique to the country. This study establishes the benefits of automation by discussing the Australian mining industry. A clear insight into the socio-cultural challenges to be faced while modernizing the Indian mining industry, focusing on automation, is presented using an interpretive approach, relying mainly on qualitative data in existing texts. The study conveys the significance of these obstacles and proposes new government bodies and schemes to overcome them. Finally, further work on this less discussed topic is motivated by mentioning areas for future consideration.