State-owned BEML Ltd. (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tesmec S.p.A., Italy, to introduce advanced surface miner equipment for mining operations across the country. This deal is a step towards modernizing India’s mining operations.
This collaboration marks an important milestone in BEML’s strategy to expand its footprint in the mining technology sector, bringing globally proven innovations into India’s resource extraction industry.
Key Highlights of MoU
Partnership Objective:
- To introduce Tesmec’s advanced surface miner machinery in India through BEML’s industrial and marketing network, enhancing productivity, safety, and sustainability in mining.
Strategic Importance:
- This MoU aligns with India’s vision of sustainable mining and technology-driven industrial growth, reducing dependency on imported mining technology.
Technology Integration:
- Tesmec’s cutting-edge machinery enables mining operations to cut, crush, and load materials in a single pass, eliminating the traditional drilling and blasting process.
- This results in lower environmental impact, reduced vibration and dust, and enhanced worker safety.
Focus Areas of Collaboration:
- Technology transfer and co-development of mining equipment
- Localization of manufacturing and after-sales support in India
- Skill and knowledge sharing for advanced mining operations
About Surface Miner Equipment
Surface miners are heavy machines used in open-cast (surface) mining that cut and crush rock and soil directly, without drilling or explosives.
Key Advantages:
- Precise mineral cutting and extraction
- Improved material recovery rate
- Reduced carbon footprint and dust generation
- Enhanced safety and operational control
Other Major Surface Mining Equipment Includes:
- Draglines
- Bucket-wheel excavators
- Blasthole drills
- Dozers and large dump trucks
About BEML Ltd.
- Full Form: Bharat Earth Movers Limited
- Type: Schedule ‘A’ Company under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India
- Government Holding: 53.86% (as of 30 June 2025)
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Core Business Verticals:
- Defence & Aerospace
- Mining & Construction
- Rail & Metro
Product Range in Mining:
- Hydraulic Excavators, Bulldozers, Dump Trucks, Motor Graders, Wheel Loaders, and Pipe Layers.
- Recently diversified into underground mining with:
- Underground Mine Cruiser
- Side Discharge Loade
- Load Haul Dumper
Strategic Role:
- BEML plays a key role in Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by manufacturing indigenized heavy earth-moving equipment and reducing import dependency.
About Tesmec S.p.A. (Italy)
- Headquarters: Grassobbio, Italy
- Founded: 1951
- Expertise: Design and production of high-performance machinery for:
- Surface Mining
- Energy & Power Infrastructure
- Transportation Networks
- Trenching & Stringing Equipment
Tesmec operates globally with a focus on digitalization, sustainability, and operational efficiency in energy and mining projects.
Significance of Collaboration
Boost to Indian Mining Industry:
- Advanced surface mining technology will help optimize coal, limestone, and iron ore extraction, reducing cost and environmental damage.
Sustainability and Green Mining:
- The technology promotes eco-friendly mining practices, aligning with India’s commitments under COP28 and National Green Hydrogen Mission for decarbonization.
Industrial Growth and Employment:
- Encourages Make in India manufacturing and localization of technology.
- Enhances skill development in the heavy engineering and mining equipment sector.
Global Collaboration:
- Strengthens India–Italy industrial cooperation in advanced mining and infrastructure development sectors.
Key Facts
- BEML Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Founded: 1964
- Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
- Tesmec Headquarters: Grassobbio, Lombardy, Italy
- Sector: Engineering, Energy, and Infrastructure Machinery
- Type of Mining Supported: Open-cast (surface) mining
- Surface Mining Major Minerals in India: Coal, bauxite, iron ore, limestone