In response to the surging demand for coal, India is set to bolster its coal production to an estimated 1.5 billion tonnes by the fiscal year 2029-30. The ambitious initiative is accompanied by strategic measures to improve the infrastructure for seamless coal transportation and loading processes.
To ensure environmentally sustainable practices, the coal industry is adhering to rigorous norms and regulations. Before initiating new mining projects, the requisite clearances such as Environmental Clearance (EC), Forestry Clearance (FC), Consent to Establish (CTE), and Consent to Operate (CTO) are diligently secured from various regulatory bodies.
Moreover, all mining operations obtain a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Central Ground Water Authority, demonstrating a commitment to responsible groundwater extraction practices. Ongoing compliance with EC, CTE, and CTO conditions involves regular monitoring of ambient air quality, effluent quality, noise levels, and groundwater levels and quality. Comprehensive reports are then submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
The industry has also proactively taken measures to address carbon emissions, including air pollution control, water pollution control, noise pollution control, and land reclamation. Additionally, carbon emission reduction measures are regularly augmented and strengthened in line with evolving environmental standards.
In pursuit of self-reliance and increased domestic coal production, the government has implemented key initiatives. These include the Single Window Clearance system, amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, allowing captive mines to sell up to 50% of their annual production, and encouraging commercial mining through 100% Foreign Direct Investment. The coal sector has embraced mass production technologies, expansion of existing projects, and the auctioning of coal blocks to private companies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
Coal India Limited, a major player in the industry, is at the forefront of this transformative journey. Their plans encompass the expansion of existing mines (brownfield projects), the establishment of new mines (greenfield projects), and the comprehensive mechanisation and modernisation of both underground (UG) and open-cast (OC) mines.
