SECL fully prepared to ensure uninterrupted supplies in monsoon: CMD

New Delhi: Coal India arm SECL has put in place comprehensive monsoon preparedness measures across its mining operations to ensure uninterrupted coal supplies and support the country’s energy security, its CMD Harish Duhan said on Thursday.

The uninterrupted coal supply is vital for power generation and industrial output, particularly during the monsoon when operations face higher risks.

South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), he said, has delivered its best-ever first-quarter performance in coal production, offtake and overburden removal, reflecting the dedication of the company's workforce and focus on operational excellence.

"The strong growth in first mile connectivity-based loading underscores our commitment to efficient and sustainable mining practices," he told PTI.

The company posted its highest-ever coal production and offtake last month and in the first quarter. It recorded an output of 44.10 million tonne in Q1, registering a growth of 7.2 per cent over the year-ago period.

The coal offtake or sales to customers in Q1 also increased by 5.3 percent to 48.8 MT from 46.3 MT in the first quarter of last financial year.

Coal supply to the power sector remained the backbone of offtake growth, with SECL supplying 37.79 million tonne to power utilities in Q1 — a 5.4 percent year-on-year increase.

SECL is amongst the highest coal producing subsidiaries of Coal India Ltd (CIL). The coal mines of SECL are spread across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

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SECL operates 60 coal mines, of which 35 are in Chhattisgarh and 25 in Madhya Pradesh. Of these 60 mines, 40 are underground and the others are opencast.

Along with this, SECL is committed towards operational aspect of coal carbonisation plant of Dankuni complex in West Bengal, which has been given on lease by CIL.

For effective administrative control and operation, coal mines at SECL have been divided into three groups viz Central India Coalfields (CIC), Korba Coalfields and Mand Raigarh Coalfields.

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