New Delhi: Coal production from India's captive and commercial coal mines increased by around 42 percent year-on-year to 22.03 million tonnes (MT) in October 2026, compared to 15.49 MT in the corresponding month last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Coal.
Coal dispatches from these mines also registered strong growth, rising by around 36 percent to 21.11 MT in October 2026 against 15.48 MT in October 2025.
During the April-October period of FY 2026-27, cumulative coal production from captive and commercial mines increased by 11.30 percent to 117.23 MT, compared to 105.33 MT in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
Coal dispatches during the seven-month period rose by 11.53 percent to 124.86 MT from 111.95 MT a year earlier.
The growth reflects improved operational efficiency, higher mining productivity and better utilisation of production capacities across the captive and commercial coal mining sector.
In another development, the Lohari coal mine in Jharkhand received Mine Opening Permission in October 2026. The mine had been awaiting operationalisation for several years. The Ministry of Coal said the approval was facilitated by its Ease of Doing Business reforms.
With the addition of Lohari, the number of operational captive and commercial coal mines has increased to 87.
The rising contribution of captive and commercial mines is expected to help reduce India's dependence on imported coal, strengthen domestic supply chains and conserve foreign exchange. It is also expected to support the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by improving domestic availability of coal for industrial and energy requirements.
The Ministry of Coal said it will continue to focus on sustaining production growth, addressing supply constraints and improving coal availability through policy interventions, regulatory oversight and stakeholder coordination.
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