Gainwell Engineering Launches India’s First Indigenous Room and Pillar Mining Equipment

Gainwell Engineering Private Limited (GEPL) has taken a landmark step in India’s mining sector by unveiling the country’s first indigenously manufactured Room and Pillar Mining Equipment package. Delivered to Eastern Coalfields Limited, this breakthrough underscores India’s push for self-reliance in advanced manufacturing, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ vision.

The equipment package includes the Continuous Miner (Model GCM345) and Feeder Breaker (Model GFB110), both manufactured at Gainwell Engineering’s cutting-edge facility in Panagarh, West Bengal. These machines exemplify engineering excellence, leveraging technology licensed from Caterpillar since 2021. Additional components, such as globally renowned Phillips Global Shuttle Cars, RHAM Roof Bolters, and AllenWest Power Centres, enhance operational safety and efficiency.

That would be a huge deal as India also commences its plan to increase domestic coal production to 1.3 billion tonnes by FY2026 and 1.51 billion by 2030. Coal would remain the main source of energy and contribute to 56% of commercial energy requirements for the country, and 72% of electricity generated in the country.

The depletion of shallow reserves necessitates a shift to sustainable underground mining practices, with continuous miners playing a crucial role. Coal India Limited (CIL) aims to produce 100 million tonnes from underground mines by 2030, supported by Gainwell Engineering’s commitment to supplying 140 continuous miner projects.

Coal India CMD PM Prasad highlighted the importance of mechanized solutions, stating, “Local manufacturing of Room & Pillar Equipment will enable us to enhance underground production and achieve our ambitious targets.”

Sunil Chaturvedi, Chairman of Gainwell Group, echoed this sentiment: “Our state-of-the-art Panagarh facility represents India’s emergence as a global leader in manufacturing innovative capital goods. This milestone not only addresses India’s energy needs but also positions the nation in the global mining technology market.”

Gainwell Engineering recently exported a 370-ton Highwall Miner to Australia and plans to debut its Continuous Miner in the U.S. by Q3 2025. With a robust global presence and an emphasis on sustainable progress, the company is shaping the future of mining technology from its headquarters in Kolkata.