Mining Machinery Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Khanindra Pathak | NPTEL
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 36 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Metallurgy and Material science & Mining Engineering, Sustainable Surface Mining Engineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Backbone of Modern Mining: A Deep Dive into Mining Machinery
The mining industry is the bedrock of global infrastructure, supplying the essential raw materials for everything from energy and construction to technology. At the heart of this massive industrial effort lies mining machinery—the powerful, complex equipment that makes extraction possible. For aspiring and practicing mining engineers, a deep understanding of these machines is not just beneficial; it's fundamental.
We are excited to present a unique opportunity to master this critical subject through a comprehensive 12-week online course, "Mining Machinery," offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur on the NPTEL platform.
Learn from an Industry Titan: Prof. Khanindra Pathak
This course is led by a true luminary in the field, Prof. Khanindra Pathak. His distinguished career blends unparalleled academic excellence with high-level industry leadership, ensuring the curriculum is both theoretically robust and intensely practical.
Prof. Pathak's Credentials Include:
- Academic Pedigree: B.Tech in Mining Machinery and M.Tech in Surface Mining from IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, and a PhD in Mining Engineering from Imperial College London.
- Leadership Roles: Former Director of Coal India Limited (CIL), Former Head of Department at IIT Kharagpur, and Chairman of the Eastern Regional Committee of AICTE.
- Industry Experience: Hands-on experience at major organizations like Neyveli Lignite Corporation, CMPDIL, and Coal India Limited.
- Accolades: Recipient of the National Mineral Award in 2016, among other honors.
Course Overview: What Will You Learn?
This undergraduate-level course is designed as a core component for Mining Engineering students. It empowers learners to select the right equipment for specific jobs under defined geo-mining conditions and provide informed feedback on machine design, application, and upkeep.
Course Duration: 12 Weeks
Level: Undergraduate
Categories: Metallurgy & Material Science, Mining Engineering, Sustainable Surface Mining Engineering
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Module & Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | Fundamentals of Machinery: Machine elements, power transmission (shafts, gears, belts, chains), prime movers, fluid & pneumatic power systems. |
| Week 3 | Wire Ropes & Site Prep: Steel wire rope design/maintenance, rock-tool interaction, dozers, rippers. |
| Weeks 4-5 | Surface Mining - Cyclic Excavation: Drills, scrapers, motor graders, electric rope shovels, hydraulic excavators, front-end loaders. |
| Week 6 | Surface Mining - Continuous Excavation: Bucket wheel excavators, bucket chain excavators, continuous surface miners, dredges. |
| Weeks 7-8 | Underground Mining Machinery: Loaders (LHD, SDL), road headers, continuous miners, shearers, shuttle cars, and coal handling plants. |
| Week 9 | Turbo & Transport (Surface): Pumps, fans, compressors; off-highway trucks, belt conveyors. |
| Weeks 10-11 | Transport (Underground): Aerial ropeways, rope haulage, locomotives, cage and skip winding systems. |
| Week 12 | Special Equipment & Maintenance: Low-profile dumpers, introduction to maintenance engineering principles and strategies. |
Who Should Enroll?
- Intended Audience: Undergraduate students of Mining Engineering.
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Engineering Mechanics, Mechanics of Solids, and Introduction to Electrical Engineering.
- Industry Professionals: Early-career engineers, maintenance supervisors, and equipment planners in mining and allied sectors will find immense value.
Industry Recognition & Support
This course is developed with direct relevance to the industry, receiving support from major public and private sector giants, including:
- Coal India Limited (CIL)
- Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL)
- National Aluminium Company (NALCO)
- Steel Authority of India (SAIL)
- NTPC, NLCIL, HZL, Essel Mining, JSW, BEML, HEC, L&T
Essential Learning Resources
The course provides a structured learning path with recommended texts and resources, such as:
- Core Textbook: "Design of Machine Elements" by C.S. Sharma and Kamlesh Purohit for fundamentals.
- Practical Guides: "Moving the Earth" and SME handbooks for excavation operations.
- Specialized References: Materials on dragline maintenance and bucket wheel excavators for advanced learners.
- Digital Resources: Selected websites and videos for understanding brakes and operational principles.
This course is more than just a syllabus; it's a gateway to becoming a competent mining engineer capable of managing the sophisticated machinery that drives the industry. Under the guidance of Prof. Pathak, you will gain the knowledge to optimize equipment performance, ensure site safety, and contribute to efficient and sustainable mining operations.
Enroll today and build the technical expertise that the global mining sector demands!
Enroll Now →