World Class Mining Practices at Noamundi

In operation since 1925, the Noamundi Iron Mine (NIM) is a fully mechanised mine. The NIM supplies the principal raw materials for iron and steel making to the Company's steel works and other steel industries. Systematic mining and scientific processing of the ore enables it to conform to consistent physical and quality norms. The mine has belt conveyors, and loading onto railway wagons is fully mechanised. It produces sized ore (-40mm to + 10mm), LD ore (-40mm to +20mm) and blended fines (-10mm). The mining operations are carried out in series of 12 meter high benches 150mm diameter holes are drilled and blasted with explosives, the ore is then shovelled and trucked. The mine has the capability for dry processing of rich grade  fine ore.
The NIM also processes and enriches the quality of the ore mined from the company's Katamati Iron Mine. The ore from this mine is transported to NIM and processed along with NIM ore at its Wet Processing and Dry Processing plants.
World Class Mining Practices

Tata Steel Limited believes that mineral conservation is the essence of all mining operations and has thus implemented the most advanced and scientific deposit evaluation and mine planning system. Entire system is computer aided and involves:

• Optimized grid pattern for core drilling
• Total station surveying
• Digital terrain modelling
• Computer-aided litho logical mapping
• Solid modeling
• Geo-statistical estimation for 3-D block Model
• Ultimate Pit Design
• Graphic User Interface (GUI) assisted excavation planning 

Some of the unique state-of-the-art mining practices visible at its mines are:

• Fully mechanised, with state-of-the-art equipment fleet
• Detonating Shock Tube Blasting Systems
• Communication systems for operational controls
• Ergonomically designed operator's cabins.
• Ore crushing & washing for up-gradation of mineral value
• Quick loading system 

The mining operations are constantly evolving through innovations and knowledge management practices. In the recent past the mines have witnessed "Magic Sprays" for de-sliming of iron lumps, Nitrogen in tyres for increased tyre life and Slime dams in mined out area for land reclamation.