India Achieves Record Coal Production In 2023-24

India has achieved its highest-ever coal production, reaching 997.826 million tonnes (MT) in the financial year 2023-24. This marks an impressive 11.71% growth compared to 893.191 MT in the previous year, according to the Ministry of Coal.

The government has set ambitious targets for coal production, aiming to reach 1.5 billion tonnes (BT) by the financial year 2030 under the Integrated Coal Logistics Plan. This goal underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its domestic coal industry to meet growing energy demands.

As of December 15, 2024, India’s coal production had reached a provisional total of 988.32 MT, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 7.66%. Coal supplies also saw significant growth, with 963.11 MT provisionally supplied by the same date, marking a 6.47% rise from the previous year.

Sector-Wise Coal Supply Growth

The power sector saw the largest share, receiving 792.958 MT of coal, which represents a 5.02% increase. Meanwhile, the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) experienced a more significant boost, with a 14.48% growth, receiving 171.236 MT.

The Ministry of Coal is also focusing on the “Mission Coking Coal” initiative, targeting a domestic raw coking coal production of 140 MT by 2030. For FY 2023-24, production stood at 66.821 MT, and the target for FY 2024-25 is 77 MT. Key measures to support this growth include modernizing ageing washeries under Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), as well as auctioning 14 coking coal blocks to private players, with production expected to start by 2028-29.

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The Ministry of Coal has implemented several reforms to enhance transparency and streamline operations. In 2024, the VIIth tranche of the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) e-auction saw the booking of 17.84 MT of coal. The SHAKTI B(VIII-A) policy facilitated the auction of an additional 23.98 MT of coal in four tranches.

A new pricing mechanism for coal gasification projects has also been introduced, applying the ROM price for regulated sectors to gasification projects that commission within the next seven years.

Focus On Mine Safety And Sustainability

As part of its broader push for sustainability and safety, the Ministry has launched several initiatives. These include the Mine Closure Portal, developed by CMPDI and CIL, to oversee mine closure activities, and the National Coal Mines Safety Report Portal to improve safety management practices and reduce accidents. These initiatives reflect the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to fostering a “Culture of Mine Safety.”

In line with the sector’s expansion, Coal India Limited’s subsidiaries acquired 16,838.34 acres of land between January 1 and December 18, 2024, under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957. Additionally, the authorities uploaded data for over 257,000 hectares of land to the PM GatiShakti Portal.

Regarding employment, Coal India Limited (CIL) and NLC India Limited (NLCIL) issued 13,341 appointment letters in 2024 for various positions, reflecting the sector’s commitment to job creation and fostering economic growth.

India’s coal industry is on track to achieve significant milestones, with record-breaking production, strategic reforms, and a focus on sustainability. The government’s initiatives and ambitious targets signal a promising future for the sector, ensuring that coal continues to play a key role in India’s energy landscape.