New Delhi: Coal India Limited (CIL) will produce 710 million tonnes (MT) of coal and the company's coal offtake target will also remain at 710 MT for this fiscal. Union Minister of Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi set these targets for the state-run company while reviewing its performance through video conference on April 22.

"The demand of coal will pick up again after the Coronavirus lockdown, so I have directed CIL to keep the production and offtake targets at 710 MT for the financial year 2020-21 in line with its goal to achieve 1 billion tonne coal production by the year 2023-24," Joshi said.

Coal India told to maintain production during monsoon to meet target

The minister stressed upon consistency in coal production throughout the year and instructed the Coal India management to make all necessary preparations so that production doesn't get affected even during monsoon season. He asked CIL authorities to provide quality coal to all consumers and make sure that sufficient coal is available at power plants during the year.

The company's overburden (OB) removal target for the financial year 2020-21 was set in the meeting at 1,580 million cubic meters in alignment with its 1 BT plans. OB removal refers to the removal of topsoil to expose the coal seams, making them ready for mining.

'Coal India warriors toiling day and night to keep lights on'

"I am proud of our Coal Warriors who are toiling day and night to keep the lights on even during Corona Pandemic and hopeful that CIL will achieve all assigned targets on or before time. The government will extend all possible support to get the targets accomplished," Joshi added.

The minister further asked the Coal India management to approach the companies presently importing coal to cater to their demand and advised the PSU to chalk out a detailed plan to substitute the import of coal.