COVER STORY: MINING Transforming mining safe & productive  Underground mining is an extremely tough mining method with various risk factors involved. But the evolution of digital technologies and automation, and the technologically advanced equipment are transforming the underground mining operations safe and productive.   Responsible Mining  Create exclusive mining zones and simplify clearances, which will come with in-principle statutory clearances for grant of mining lease to curtail delay in commencement of mining operations.   We deliver equipment, techs collaborative support”  Kush Tandon of Caterpillar Global Mining elaborates on the underground mining methods, equipment and technologies.   “Adoption of continuous miners in underground coal is growing”  Shib Bhowmik of Komatsu Mining Corp,elaborates on the company’s solutions to the industry and the market scenario.   FEATURE: CEMENT GRINDING Grinding still draws interest  Grinding is a conventional process in the cement industry and still draws a lot of interest. It is mainly due to costs involved in the process. ICR tried to give a perspective of the existing scenario coupled with the two interviews from experts.   Ceramic grinding media, a new entrant in cement grinding circle”  Biswajit Dhar spoke on the present scenario of capex in the cement industry with respect to capacity enhancement in existing plants.   VIEWPOINT IoT, AI & era of cutting-edge lubrication  Even as automation & digitisation are transforming the manufacturing eco-system, ExxonMobilTM is harnessing emerging technologies to redefine lubrication solutions.