Future challenges for explosive industry vis-a-vis underground coal blasting

It is apprehended that with contribution of open cast mines in total production of coal going up further, the deterioration trend in coal quality will continue. Production from underground coal mines have to be increased in coming years for sustainable growth of coal industry and to meet the ever increasing power demand. So, to compete with the mechanical cutting of coal, explosive industry needs a breakthrough in innovativeness, production and uses. Explosive industry and concerned organisations have to accept future challenges in development of safer products, more efficient application technique and strict quality control of products. Change in some of the regulations governing the uses of explosive in underground coal blasting also is called for.