DGMS (Tech) Circular (Approval) 07 of 2026 — Testing standards for permitted e-Exploders in underground mines

Summary

Addressed to all mine owners, agents and managers, to manufacturers of e-Exploders and e-Detonators, and to the institutions that test them. Following the DPIIT Gazette notification S.O. 4255(E) of 29 September 2023 on the phased discontinuation of electric detonators, the industry had to move to electronic detonator and exploder systems, but with no guidelines or standards for the construction, testing and use of an e-Exploder no approved device was available to fire e-Detonators in underground coal mines — a situation that threatened to halt underground production. DGMS constituted a committee including CSIR-CIMFR, IIT-ISM, CIL, CMPDIL and explosives manufacturers to prepare these guidelines, which set the testing standards for permitted e-Exploders for use in underground coal mines and in gassy underground metalliferous mines where regulation 142 of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations 1961 applies.