How do you perceive the current state of the mining equipment market globally and in India specifically? What are the key trends and developments shaping the market landscape?
The global and Indian mining equipment markets exhibit notable differences in machinery utilisation. While India ranks among the largest markets, it predominantly relies on low-capacity excavation and hauling equipment, largely due to the availability of low-cost operators and competitive mining contract rates. Operator costs in India account for just 8 per cent of total operating expenses, compared to a global average of 30 per cent. However, in recent years, Indian mining companies have been shifting towards higher-capacity equipment, driven by longer-term mining contracts, traffic limitations at mining sites, labour availability challenges, and growing environmental concerns. This trend, observed over the past three years, has encouraged manufacturers like Sany to introduce more fuel-efficient, higher-capacity machines that enable customers to maintain cost-efficiency without increasing operational expenses.

Furthermore, the Indian market is increasingly adopting alternative energy solutions, such as electric and hybrid mining trucks and excavators, which address both environmental concerns and reduce operational costs, aligning the sector more closely with global sustainability trends.

What are the primary products or services offered by your company in the mining equipment market?
At Sany India, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of the mining equipment market. Our portfolio includes:

Through our extensive range of products and commitment to innovation, Sany India is dedicated to supporting the mining industry with solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability.

What are the main drivers of growth in the mining equipment industry?
The mining equipment industry is witnessing significant growth due to several key factors. A major driver is the surge in demand for power, which has, in turn, increased the need for coal. The Indian government’s push to reduce coal imports has further fueled this demand, ensuring a steady requirement for advanced mining machinery.

Additionally, the government’s emphasis on infrastructure development has accelerated growth in the cement and steel sectors, driving further mining activities in critical resources like limestone and iron ore. This combined momentum across multiple industries has led to a strong and sustainable demand for mining equipment, positioning companies like Sany India to meet these expanding needs with our robust and innovative product offerings.

How do you ensure that your equipment meets the specific needs and challenges of mining operations in India?
At Sany India, we are committed to delivering mining equipment that is tailored to the unique demands of India’s diverse mining landscape. All our products adhere to the highest safety standards as mandated by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), ensuring that safety is never compromised. Our machines are engineered to perform in a variety of mining environments, whether it’s open-pit or underground operations.

Furthermore, we offer customised support solutions designed to enhance equipment uptime and ensure uninterrupted operations. This not only boosts productivity but also contributes to the overall efficiency of mining activities. With our customer-centric approach and robust machinery, we aim to meet the evolving challenges of mining in India.

How do you engage with mining companies to understand their requirements and provide tailored solutions?
At Sany India, we prioritise building strong, consultative relationships with our mining customers to fully understand their specific needs. Our approach involves regular visits to mining sites, where we assess the unique operational challenges, including excavation and hauling requirements. This allows us to accurately estimate costs and propose solutions that align with the customer’s objectives. We also provide tailored support to help our clients participate in tenders with a competitive edge. Beyond the initial sale, Sany India offers customised lifetime support for our equipment, ensuring that our customers are consistently engaged, and their operational needs are met throughout the lifecycle of the machinery and beyond.

What initiatives does your company undertake to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility in mining operations?
Sany India is at the forefront of promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility within the mining industry. We were the first in the industry to introduce and sell electric mining trucks with a 70-tonne capacity, manufactured at our Pune facility. With the expansion of this plant nearing completion, we are poised to enhance our production capabilities for electric trucks, further contributing to greener mining operations.

In addition to electric mining trucks, Sany has also introduced electric payloaders and electric excavators in India, marking significant strides toward reducing emissions and lowering environmental impact. Globally, Sany is one of the few companies with end-to-end hydrogen-powered vehicle technology, and we are actively exploring the introduction of hydrogen-powered solutions in India as the supporting infrastructure develops. Through these initiatives, Sany remains committed to driving innovation in sustainable mining practices.

Are there any specific challenges related to sustainability and safety in the Indian mining context, and how do you address them?
In the Indian mining sector, safety and sustainability are paramount. Fortunately, India benefits from the oversight of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), a strong regulator that ensures all equipment used in mining operations meets stringent safety standards. At Sany India, we work closely with DGMS, adhering to their regulations and incorporating the latest safety features into our machinery based on their continuous guidance.

When it comes to sustainability, there is a growing push for greener mining operations, and we are fully committed to supporting this shift. Our range of electric and hybrid equipment is designed to reduce emissions, while our Recon and Reman products promote reusability and extend the lifecycle of machinery, reducing waste.

Additionally, one of the key challenges we face in India is the proximity of certain mining sites to residential areas, which poses both safety concerns and restrictions on blasting activities. To address this, we offer innovative solutions for blast-less mining, enabling safer and more sustainable operations even in sensitive areas. By focusing on both safety and sustainability, Sany India continues to play a vital role in advancing responsible mining practices.