The Ministry of Coal has reviewed the production of coal with allottees of captive coal blocks whose coal blocks have either commenced production or are likely to commence production during 2022-23.
The production of coal from captive coal blocks during 2021-22 was 85 mt, an increase of around 35 per cent over 63 mt produced during 2020-21. The enhanced coal production helped in shortening the demand-supply gap in domestic market. Currently, 106 coal blocks have been allocated by the nominated authority of the Ministry under Coal Mines (Special Provisions)Act, 2015 and mine opening permissions have been received for 47 coal blocks. It is expected to increase to 60 coal blocks during fiscal 2022-23. Annual peak rated capacity of operational coal blocks will be around 230 mt and coal production will be enhanced substantially to over 140 mt during 2022-23. These measures will lead to substantial reduction in import of thermal coal and considerable foreign exchange will be saved.