The Mahanadi Coalfields limited (MCl), a subsidiary of Coal India limited, has recorded its highest ever coal production at 143.06 million tonnes during the year ended on March 31, 2018, which is 2.8 per cent up against 139.21 million tonne dry fuel mined during 2016-17.
MCl CMD AK Jha said the company, which operates 15 open cast and five underground coal mines in Angul, Jharsuguda and Sundergarh districts, has supplied 138.27 million tonne dry fuel to consumers, 112 million tonne of which was dispatched through eco-friendly mode, i.e., railways, Merry Go Around (MGR) belt, etc.
The company has registered 12 per cent growth in over burden removal at 138.17 MCuM, which will add to its future growth in coal production, Jha informed.
The CMD said the MCl had made Rs 1,300 crore capital expenditure during the last fiscal, which would be a foundation for its future growth plans.
Informing that the 53-km-long Jharsuguda-Barpalli-Sardega railway line and Sardega Siding would be commissioned shortly, Jha said the new rail link will have a capacity to evacuate 30 to 35 million tonne coal annually.
He said 2x800 MW Super Critical Thermal Power Plant of Mahanadi Power Basin limited (MBPl) was progressing well and modalities of setting-up the plant were being finalised.
The MCl is also setting-up 10 MT annual capacity coal washers, two each in Ib Coalfields and Talcher Coalfields, Jha said, asserting that the company is committed to reduce the impact of air pollution in its operational zones.
The MCl has made 92 per cent of total coal production at 131 million tonne through eco-friendly surface miners while dispatch via eco-friendly mode was 81 per cent during the financial year.