India Sets Record with Coal Production of 997.83 MT in FY24, Aiming for 1.5 BT by 2030
New Delhi [India], December 28: In a groundbreaking achievement, India reached its highest-ever coal production of 997.826 million tonnes (MT) in the financial year 2023-24, marking an impressive growth of 11.71% compared to the 893.191 MT produced in FY 2022-23. This milestone underscores the nation’s commitment to energy security and aligns with its long-term vision for robust industrial growth.
According to the Ministry of Coal, the government, under the Integrated Coal Logistics Plan, has set an ambitious target of achieving 1.5 billion tonnes (BT) of coal production by FY 2030. The calendar year 2024 (up to December 15) witnessed provisional coal production of 988.32 MT, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 7.66%.
Significant Growth in Coal Supply
Coal supplies have also shown substantial growth during this period. As of December 15, 2024, provisional coal supply reached 963.11 MT, a 6.47% increase compared to the previous year. The power sector received 792.958 MT of coal, registering a 5.02% rise, while the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) recorded a robust 14.48% growth, with 171.236 MT of coal supplied.
Advancing Coking Coal Production
Under the “Mission Coking Coal” initiative, the Ministry of Coal has set a target to produce 140 MT of domestic raw coking coal by 2030. In FY 2023-24, production reached 66.821 MT, and a target of 77 MT has been established for FY 2024-25. Key measures to achieve this include:
- Modernizing ageing washeries under Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL).
- Monetizing old washeries to boost operational efficiency.
- Auctioning 14 coking coal blocks to private players, which are expected to commence production by 2028-29.
Reforms and Safety Initiatives
The Ministry has introduced a range of reforms to streamline coal operations and enhance transparency. The VIIth tranche of the NRS e-auction in 2024 resulted in 17.84 MT of coal being booked. Additionally, four tranches under the SHAKTI B(VIII-A) policy facilitated the auction of 23.98 MT of coal.
A revised pricing mechanism for coal gasification projects was implemented, applying the ROM price for regulated sectors to gasification projects that commence operations within seven years. Furthermore, the Ministry launched the Mine Closure Portal, developed by CMPDI and Coal India Limited (CIL), to oversee mine closure activities effectively. The inauguration of the National Coal Mines Safety Report Portal underscores efforts to enhance safety management and reduce accidents, fostering a “Culture of Mine Safety.”
Land Acquisition and Employment Boost
In 2024, significant strides were made in land acquisition and job creation. Between January 1 and December 18, 16,838.34 acres of land were acquired for Coal India Limited’s subsidiaries under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957. Land data covering over 257,000 hectares has been uploaded to the PM GatiShakti Portal, ensuring greater transparency.
On the employment front, 13,341 appointment letters were issued for various positions under Coal India Limited (CIL) and NLC India Limited (NLCIL) in 2024. This reinforces the sector’s commitment to generating opportunities and supporting India’s economic growth.
A Vision for the Future
With record-breaking achievements in coal production and supply, along with strategic reforms and safety measures, India’s coal sector is poised for transformative growth. The government’s ambitious targets and proactive initiatives are not just enhancing energy security but also laying the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future.
