Surathkal: The Department of Mining Engineering at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, in collaboration with CSIR-Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research (CIMFR) Regional Centre, Nagpur, and Anna University, Chennai, proudly inaugurated a two-day National Workshop titled Rock Blasting Innovations for Safety & Efficiency (RISE-25) today, March 14, 2025. The event, supported by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, will run on March 14 and 15, 2025, at NITK Surathkal.
The inaugural ceremony took place at 9:30 AM in the Main Seminar Hall of the Institute. The Chief Guest, Sri. M. Nanjundaswamy, IPS, Additional Director General of Police & Additional Commandant General, Home Guards, Government of Karnataka, and a distinguished alumnus of NITK Surathkal (Mining Engineering, Batch of 1993), graced the occasion. The Guest of Honor was Sri. Sharath Kumar Pallerla, Advisor, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India. The event was presided over by Prof. Uday Bhat, Dean of Research and Consultancy, NITK Surathkal. Other dignitaries present included Dri. A. K. Raina (CIMFR), Dr.. P. Balamadeswaran (Anna University), Prof. Harsha Vardhan, Head of the Department of Mining Engineering, NITK, and Prof. Ram Chandra Karra, Convenor of RISE-25.
RISE-25 has attracted over 140 delegates from 58 organizations across 14 Indian states and three other countries, reflecting its national and international significance.
In his address, Chief Guest Sri. M. Nanjundaswamy emphasized the timeliness of the workshop’s theme, stating, “Safety is a non-negotiable priority and the cornerstone of rock blasting operations. Every decision must prioritize the well-being of workers, communities, and the environment. The innovations discussed here must focus on reducing risks, minimizing environmental impacts, and adhering to the highest safety standards. Efficiency, as the engine of progress, should leverage advanced technologies like AI and ML to create sustainable value. Collaboration between researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders is crucial to transform industries, save lives, and protect our planet.” He appreciated the expertise of Department of Mining Engineering in Rock Blasting.
Guest of Honor Sri. Sharath Kumar Pallerla highlighted the role of rock blasting in India’s growing economy, noting, “As we aim for Viksit Bharat by 2047, infrastructure development is key. Blasting, though integral, utilizes only 20% of explosive energy for fragmentation, with 80% lost to other forms. Workshops like RISE-25 are vital for developing innovative solutions to optimize this energy, address challenges, and foster collaboration between academia and industry.”
Prof. Uday Bhat, in his presidential remarks, stressed the academia-industry synergy, saying, “Academia without industry knowledge has no value, and industries need academic support to implement novel technologies. Safety—of humans and the environment—and sustainable growth are critical as we work toward Viksit Bharat 2047. The next generation should see this sector as a promising career path.”
The workshop focuses on the latest advancements in explosives, initiating devices, blast design, monitoring techniques, and safety protocols, featuring case studies from experts including Dr. Hajime Hakead (Japan), Dr. Manoj Khandelwal (Australia), Mr. Shashi Kanth (USA), Dr. A. K. Raina (CSIR-CIMFR), Dr. P. Balamadeswaran (Anna University), and Prof. Ram Chandar Karra (NITK Surathkal).
Rock blasting, a critical process in mining, quarries, and infrastructure projects such as tunnels, canals, and metro systems, relies on explosives as the fastest and most cost-effective technology. However, its side effects—ground vibrations, noise, and fly rock—require scientific design and execution to mitigate risks. NITK Surathkal’s Department of Mining Engineering is renowned for its expertise, having successfully completed significant blasting projects across ten states in India.
In the welcome address Prof. Ram Chandar mentioned that the Dept. of Mining Engineering carried out many prestigious projects throughout India in more than 10 states, and the Department is known among mining and infra sector for their expertise in rock blasting.
The valedictory function, scheduled for March 15, 2025, at 3:30 PM, will feature Dr. Sripad R. Naik, Director (Additional Charge), National Institute of Rock Mechanics (Ministry of Mines), as Chief Guest, and Sri. Satheesh Kumar Dasyapu, Director, AMD- Hyderabad, as Guest of Honor.
ನಿರಂತರ ಅಪ್ಡೇಟ್ಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ಉಪಯುಕ್ತ ನ್ಯೂಸ್ ಟೆಲಿಗ್ರಾಂ ಚಾನೆಲ್ಗೆ ಜಾಯಿನ್ ಆಗಿ
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