Coal Output Hits Record 18.4 MT in December From captive and commercial mines

The month of December saw the record monthly coal output from both captive and commercial mines, with a total production of 18.40 MT for the month. Coal output hit a record peak of 1,039.59 million tonnes (provisional) in 2024, representing a notable 7.28 percent increase over last year's figure of 969.07 MT, the government announced.

Likewise, coal deliveries hit an all-time high, totaling 1,012.72 MT (provisional) sent nationwide, exceeding the 950.39 MT noted in 2023 by 6.56 per cent, according to government statistics.

"This consistent growth in both production and dispatch underscores the sector’s commitment to ensuring timely availability of coal for power generation and other industries, further bolstering national energy security," said the Ministry of Coal in a statement.

The ministry additionally emphasized that concentrating on enhancing coal production and developing infrastructure corresponds with the aim of decreasing reliance on coal imports, bolstering national self-sufficiency, and aiding in sustainable growth over the long term.

"This achievement surpasses all previous records, with a daily average production of 0.594 MT, marking a 30.75 per cent increase from the daily average of 0.445 MT in December 2023," according to the official statement. 

In November, the ministry successfully auctioned an additional 9 mines during the 10th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions. These mines are anticipated to yield an annual income of approximately Rs 1,446 crore, expected to draw a capital investment of about Rs 2,115 crore, and create 19,063 job opportunities.