Sambalpur: 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.
Addressing a press conference today, Mr A K Jha, Chairman & Managing Director, said, “MCL has been able to produce more than 143 million tonne (coal) despite several operational constraints. It is a result of cooperation we have got from all our stakeholders”.
The company, which celebrates 27th foundation day on April 3, is the second largest coal producing subsidiary of Coal India and contributes to 25 per cent of its total production.
Mr JP Singh, Director (Technical/Operations), Mr L N Mishra, Director (Personnel), Mr Munawar Khursheed, Chief Vigilance Officer, Mr OP Singh, Director (Technical/Projects & Planning) and Mr K R Vasudevan, Director (Finance) were also present at the press conference.
The company, which operates 15 open cast and 5 underground coal mines in Angul, Jharsuguda and Sundergarh districts of Odisha, 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, Mr Jha informed.
The CMD said 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-kms-long Jharsuguda-Barpalli-Sardega railway line and Sardega Siding would be commissioned shortly, Mr Jha said, “The new rail link will have a capacity to evacuate 30 to 35 million tonne coal annually”.
Replying to a query on company’s diversification plans and thermal power venture in Sundergarh district, the CMD said 2×800 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.
MCL is also setting-up 10 MT annual capacity coal washers two each in Ib Coalfields and Talcher Coalfields, Mr Jha said, asserting that company is committed to reduce the impact of air pollution in its operational zones.
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 ended yesterday.
Referring to the CSR, Mr Jha said the company is top spender in Odisha under CSR and about Rs 180 crore were spent last year on comprehensive CSR activities.
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