Connectivity is the biggest bottleneck in digitising mines: Rajesh Dutta, Head IT, JMS Mining

When Rajesh Dutta joined JMS Mining seven months ago as Head of IT, he stepped into an industry where digital transformation is still finding its footing. Having spent most of his career in manufacturing and consulting, underground mining presented a stark contrast, one defined by heavy machinery, regulatory constraints, and limited digital infrastructure. Yet, for Dutta, this gap represents a significant opportunity.

“Mining as an industry is still behind when it comes to technology adoption,” Dutta says. “But that also means there is a lot that can be done—right from automating mines to bringing underground data up to the surface.”

Unlike office or factory environments, underground mining is inherently complex. Equipment operates deep below ground, connectivity is unreliable, and regulatory bodies tightly govern what technologies can be deployed. “We deal with very heavy and very costly machines underground,” Dutta explains. “At the same time, we manage ...