https://www.energywatch.in/coal/six-commercial-coal-mines-with-prc-of-1487-mt-have-started-coal-production

New Delhi: Within three-and-a-half years after the commencement of commercial coal mines auction in 2020, six mines with a cumulative peak rated capacity (PRC) of 14.87 million tonne (MT) have already started production, said the Ministry of Coal on Thursday. It usually takes four-five years for a coal mine to be operationalised, say industry experts. Additional Coal Secretary M Nagaraju chaired a high-level meeting to review the status of “producing and expected to produce” captive and commercial coal mines held here on January 3.

During the meeting, he appreciated the efforts of all the allottees for the commendable increase in coal production and advised them to put in further efforts to achieve the committed coal production targets of FY 2023-24. The Additional Secretary further impressed upon the allottees to take necessary steps to operationalise the coal blocks that are in advanced stages of operationalisation.

As of December 31, 2023, 50 captive/commercial coal mines are under production, out of which 32 mines are allocated to the power sector, 11 to non-regulated sector and seven mines are allocated for the sale of coal.