Dr. Anil Kumar Jain – Secretary Coal, reviewed the status on production of coal with allocattees of captive coal blocks whose coal blocks have either commenced production or are likely to commence production during the financial year 2022-23.
Presently, 106 coal blocks have been allocated by the Nominated Authority of the Ministry under CMSP Act, 2015 and mine opening permissions have been received for 47 coal blocks. It is expected to increase to 60 coal blocks during fiscal 2022-23. Coal production from captive coal blocks increased by around 35% from 63 Million Ton (MT) in 2020-21 to 85 Million Ton (MT) during 2021-22, which greatly helped in shortening the demand-supply gap in domestic market. During the meeting, Dr. Anil Kumar Jain stated that some of these blocks have started coal production within one year of allocation to counter the high price of imported coal and meet the increased demand of thermal coal due to increase in electricity demand of country.
Annual peak rated capacity of operational coal blocks will be around 230 MT and coal production will be enhanced substantially to more than 140 million ton during FY 2022-23. These measures is expected to lead to a substantial reduction in import of thermal coal and saving of considerable foreign exchange. 50% sale of coal has been allowed for captive coal blocks.