India’s coal industry has witnessed a remarkable growth in the past five years, with domestic coal production increasing by almost 23%. The Ministry of Coal has played a vital role in achieving this feat, with its unwavering focus on sustainable mining and enhanced production.
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Growth in Coal Production
In the fiscal year 2022-23, India’s overall coal production reached 893.08 MT, up from 728.72 MT in FY 2018-19, marking a growth of about 22.6%. This increase in production has significantly reduced India’s dependence on substitutable coal imports.
Coal India Limited (CIL), the largest coal-producing company in India, has witnessed a growth of 15.9% in the past five years, with production increasing from 606.89 MT in FY 2018-19 to 703.21 MT. Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has also shown impressive growth, with coal production reaching 67.14 MT in FY 2022-23 from 64.40 MT in FY 2018-19, marking a growth of 4.3%. Furthermore, captive and other mines have played a significant role in coal production, with their production increasing from 57.43 MT in FY 2018-19 to 122.72 MT in FY 2022-23, marking a growth of 113.7%.
Ministry’s Focus on Sustainable Mining and Enhanced Production
The Ministry of Coal has taken several measures to enhance domestic coal production and reduce India’s dependence on coal imports. Its priority is to ensure adequate coal stocks at thermal power plants and meet the demand of all sectors. The exceptional growth in coal production has paved the way for energy security in the country.
The Ministry is also proactively promoting sustainable development in conjunction with coal production. It emphasizes environmental protection, resource conservation, societal welfare, and measures to preserve forests and biodiversity. To eliminate road transportation of coal in mines, the Ministry has formulated a strategy to develop an integrated approach and has taken steps to upgrade mechanized coal transportation and loading systems under ‘First Mile Connectivity’ projects.
Future Targets
The Ministry of Coal has set an annual coal production target of 1012 MT for FY 2023-24. With its focus on sustainable mining and enhanced production, the Ministry is confident of achieving this target and further strengthening India’s position in the coal industry.
Conclusion
The remarkable growth in domestic coal production in the past five years has put India on the path of self-reliance and energy security. The Ministry of Coal’s focus on sustainable mining and enhanced production has played a pivotal role in achieving this feat. With its continued efforts and initiatives, the Ministry is set to achieve its future targets and take the coal industry in India to new heights.
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