In an impressive feat, South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has achieved a significant milestone by dispatching 100 million tonnes (MT) of coal in the fiscal year 2023-24. This remarkable achievement marks the fastest attainment of 100 MT coal dispatch in the history of this Chhattisgarh-based company since its establishment.
Comparing this achievement to the previous year, where SECL dispatched around 85 million tonnes of coal in the same period, the company has witnessed substantial growth, registering a notable 17.65% increase in coal dispatch this fiscal year.
Of the total coal dispatched, a substantial majority, accounting for more than 80%, has been directed to the power sector. SECL has successfully dispatched approximately 81 million tonnes of coal to power plants across the country. This achievement is particularly significant, considering the approaching festival season, during which power demand is expected to peak.
Several mega projects under SECL have played a pivotal role in contributing to the monumental achievement of 100 million tonnes of coal dispatch. Notably, Gevra, Dipka, and Kusmunda, located in Korba district, have significantly bolstered this milestone. Gevra, the largest coal mine in the country, contributed an impressive 30.3 MT, while Dipka and Kusmunda contributed 19.1 MT and 25.1 MT of coal, respectively. Together, these three mega projects have contributed more than 74% of the total coal dispatch.
Furthermore, SECL’s Korea Rewa coalfield, housing most of the old and underground mines, has also made a noteworthy contribution by enhancing coal dispatch by 20% compared to the previous year.
SECL stands as one of the largest coal-producing subsidiaries of Coal India, with the company achieving a remarkable production of 167 MT of coal in the previous fiscal year, which was the highest in its history. This production accounted for approximately one-fourth of Coal India’s total coal production during FY 22-23. In the current fiscal year, the company has set an ambitious target of producing 197 MT of coal, aiming to further contribute to India’s energy landscape.