**Coal India’s Central Coalfields Ltd to Launch New Mines, Boost Production Capacity**
Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL), a subsidiary of Coal India, is set to initiate production at two new coal mines within the current financial year, significantly enhancing its capacity by 10-12 million tonnes per annum. This strategic move is crucial as CCL aims to surpass a production target of 110 million tonnes for the current fiscal year and reach 150 million tonnes by 2030.
CCL Chairman and Managing Director, Nilendu Kumar Singh, announced the plans during a press briefing, stating, “We have planned to open two new mines this year.” The company intends to commence operations at the Kotre Basantpur block, a coking coal mine with a peak rated capacity of 5 million tonnes, by October. Additionally, the Chandragupt open cast project, which focuses on non-coking coal and has a capacity of 15 million tonnes per annum, is expected to begin production by March 2026.
In the previous fiscal year, CCL achieved a record production of 87.5 million tonnes of coal, marking the highest output in its history. To meet the ambitious target of 150 million tonnes by 2030, Singh emphasized the need for immediate preparations, including enhancing the capacity of existing mines and accelerating the development of new ones.
Currently, CCL operates 35 open-cast mines and three underground mines across 14 command areas in eight districts of Jharkhand. Furthermore, the company plans to establish four new washeries with a combined capacity of approximately 14 million tonnes over the next two to three years. These washeries will improve coal quality by removing impurities, making it suitable for various applications, particularly in power generation and steel production. Presently, CCL operates five coal washeries, comprising four for coking coal and one for non-coking coal.
In conclusion, CCL’s proactive approach to expanding its mining operations and enhancing coal quality through new washeries positions the company to meet growing energy demands and achieve its long-term production goals.
**FAQ**
*What is the significance of CCL’s new coal mines?*
The new coal mines will increase CCL’s production capacity, helping the company meet its ambitious targets of 110 million tonnes for the current year and 150 million tonnes by 2030.
