MCL to Open New Coal Mines in Odisha, Boosting Production and Sustainability Efforts

Mahanadi Coalfield Ltd (MCL), a key subsidiary of Coal India Ltd (CIL), is expanding its operations with the launch of two new coal mines in the Talcher coalfield area, located in Odisha’s Angul district. The Subhadra and Balabhadra mines are expected to hold substantial coal reserves of 25 million tonnes (MT) and 10 MT, respectively. The Subhadra mine is projected to become operational by the end of the financial year 2025-26, while the Balabhadra mine is planned to commence operations by the close of the financial year 2029-30. Currently, MCL operates 18 coal mines across Angul, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda districts, encompassing a mix of underground and open-cast operations. MCL has implemented extensive CCTV coverage, monitoring 98% of its operational areas, with full coverage expected soon. They are also leveraging AI for real-time tracking of GPS-equipped coal transport vehicles. MCL’s production in FY 2024-25 reached 225 MT, a 9% increase from the prior year, with dispatches totaling 210 MT, up 6%. The company is actively working towards net-zero carbon emissions by FY 2029, investing ₹17,900 crore in renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and pumped storage. The company is targeting 239 MT of coal production in FY 2026, with a long-term goal of reaching 300 MT by FY 2029-30.