New Delhi: The Gevra project of the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has become the country’s first coal mine to produce 150 million tonnes (MT) of coal. It has become the first coal mine in the country to reach the 50 million tonne club.

Located in Chhattisgarh’s Korba district, the Gevra project has set a target of 52 MT in the current financial year. Along with production, the Gevra area has also reached very close to the target of coal dispatch of 50 million tons (actual 49.08 million tons). Gevra mine has carved a special place for itself among Coal India's projects through the incorporation of modern and eco-friendly mining technology.

According to an official statement, blasting free surface mining technology is used in mining, while rapid loading system along with conveyor belt equipped silos is used for transportation of coal. The mine uses modern HEMM like 42 cubic metres Shovel-240 tonne dumper for over burden removal (OBR), while equipment like long distance fog canon machine has been employed for environmental protection.

Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi has congratulated the Gevra project on joining the 50 million club by tweeting.

SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) Dr Prem Sagar Mishra and the Board of Directors reached Gevra Project and congratulated the team for the feat. The best employees were awarded on the occasion.

Talking to the reporters, Mishra said that Gevra had immense potential for development and expansion. Currently it is being developed to 70 MT, but it can be expanded even more in future, he added.

On Monday, SECL crossed the production of 157.43 MT, surpassing the company’s higher-ever output of 157.35 MT recorded in 2018-19.

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