In a landmark moment for India’s mining and engineering industry, Larsen & Toubro’s Construction & Mining Machinery (CMB) business has commissioned a 100-tonne Komatsu HD785-7 dump truck at Tata Steel’s Noamundi iron ore mine, entirely by an all-women team. The achievement marks the first instance in India where a machine of this scale has been assembled, tested, and handed over solely by women technicians.
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Despite Monsoon, Commissioned in 6 Days
The commissioning process, carried out between 28th July 28 and 2nd August, included critical steps like axle mounting, hydraulic integration, and system checks. The truck’s 1200-horsepower engine was fired on 1st August, and full integration was completed the next day. Despite heavy monsoon rains that slowed operations, the team delivered the machine on schedule. The ceremonial handover took place on 18th August, where Tata Steel also deployed a woman driver to operate the machine, symbolising continuity of empowerment.
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Breaking Barriers in Mining Sector
The 10-member team, including Alisha Jerai, Anamika Kerai, Banashree Mondal, Monorama Banerjee, Nutan Bobanga, Priyanka Biswas, Ruby Sharma, Sanjana Sarkar, Sasi Kumari Mahato, and Soma Karmakar, demonstrated high technical skill and teamwork. “Initially, we had doubts about whether we could take on certain jobs. But as the days went by, we realised we could accomplish the tasks, one after the other,” said technician Ruby Sharma.
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Industry Impact and Recognition
Arvind K Garg, Advisor to L&T CMD, called the project a turning point for gender inclusion in mining. “This team has not only commissioned a mammoth machine but also walked over barriers that once kept women away from such roles,” he said. With the Komatsu HD785-7 now operational, it will haul iron ore daily, standing as a symbol of training, perseverance, and women’s growing role in heavy engineering.
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