New Delhi: Coal production from captive mines during this year, till November, has already reached around 50 million tonnes (MTs) and it is very likely to touch 85 MTs during the current financial year (2021-22), which is significantly higher than the last year's production of 62 MT, said the Ministry of Coal in an official statement on Saturday. The ministry added that coal production from captive mines is expected to reach 120 MT during the next financial year (2022-23).
Earlier in October this year, the Centre allowed captive mines to sell 50 percent of the coal or lignite produced in a financial year. "The Ministry of Coal has amended Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, with a view to allowing sale of coal or lignite, on payment of an additional amount, by the lessee of a captive mine up to 50 percent of the total coal or lignite produced in a financial year, after meeting the requirement of the end-use plant linked with the mine," the ministry had said at the time. The move was aimed at increasing domestic coal production.
In order to further enhance coal production in the country, Coal Secretary Dr Anil Kumar Jain has also been reviewing the issues related to environment and forest clearances impacting development of new coal blocks, with senior officers of the ministry in view of high demand for domestic coal. "This achievement will further fulfil the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in domestic coal production," said the statement.
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