In a significant development for Chhattisgarh's coal mining sector, Coal India subsidiary South Eastern Coalfield Limited's (SECL) Gevra mine is poised to become the largest coal-producing mine in Asia. This expansion is part of the megaprojects undertaken by SECL and is vital to meeting the energy demands of the region.
Recently, the coal ministry announced that Gevra mine has been granted environmental clearance to increase its production capacity to 70 million tonnes per annum, up from the current 52.5 million tonnes. This expansion aligns with Coal India's production and supply targets, aiming to fulfill the energy needs of the nation.
Gevra mine's significance was underscored last year when it emerged as the largest coal mine in the country. With the proposed production capacity of 70 million tonnes, Gevra could surpass the KPC Operation coal mine of Kaltim Prima Coal in Indonesia, currently the largest in Asia.
Prem Sagar Mishra, Chairman and Managing Director of SECL, expressed optimism about Gevra's future, stating, "We have a vision for Gevra to become the largest coal mine in the world with state-of-the-art mining operations, and this is a significant milestone towards that journey."
SECL, as the second-largest coal-producing subsidiary of Coal India, plays a crucial role in meeting the nation's coal demands. Its production between April-February 2023-24 stood at 162.3 million tonnes, contributing 23.68 percent to the total coal production.
In a separate statement, the coal ministry highlighted the growth in the country's coal production and dispatch, with a 12.14 percent and 11.08 percent increase, respectively, between April-February 2023-24. Looking ahead, production is expected to reach 1.5 billion tonnes by FY2030.
To streamline coal logistics and ensure efficient production and off-take, the coal ministry unveiled a logistics plan proposing a strategic shift towards railway-based systems in first-mile connectivity projects. This initiative aims to save Rs 21,000 crore and reduce the average turnaround time for wagons by 10 percent across the country.
The expansion of Gevra mine and the focus on enhancing coal logistics underscore Chhattisgarh's growing role in India's coal sector, positioning the state as a key player in meeting the nation's energy needs.