Monopoly coal miner Coal India (CIL) is in the process of roping in a reputed consulting firm for technology development and modernization of its mines.

Some international consultancy firms or organizations are learnt to have responded to the expression of interest (EoI) floated by CIL.

The state-run firm invited sealed bids from those firms that responded to the EoI for providing consultancy services for technology development and modernization of mines of CIL.

It may be recalled that CIL wants to upgrade its mines in order to boost coal production and thereby overcome the present acute shortage for the fuel.

The consultant would also assess the requirements of technology and infrastructure development for mine planning and design and construction with regard to projected coal production plans for 12th, 13th and 14th 5 Year Plans.

The consultant would also prepare a road map for technology up gradation covering the different plan periods. It will also assess the status of existing technology for safety, production and productivity in the underground and opencast coal mines of various coalfields of CIL.