Kolkata: Coal India Ltd (CIL) has planned to reopen various mines that were earlier closed because of safety or viability issues. The move is a part of the world's biggest coal miner's endeavour to produce employment locally and boost the output of higher grade coal. Subsidiaries, including Central Coalfields and Bharat Coking Coal, which had closed three mines each, are gathering information and assessing feasibility.
"Once ascertained, we would make sure safety issues are addressed and work on receiving environment clearances," said Central Coalfields Chairman Gopal Singh, who is also the Chairman of Bharat Coking Coal.
"Reopening mines will generate employment for locals and produce more coal, which will help in furthering the country's effort towards providing affordable electricity for all and generating employment," he said. Surplus manpower can also be set up at such mines, a senior Coal India executive said.
Central Coalfields on Monday reopened Jharkhand's Rajhara coal mine, which had been suspended since 2010 due to safety concerns. After obtaining environmental clearance on February 14, the mine was opened on Monday, a top Coal India executive said.