Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL), a subsidiary of state-run Coal India Ltd, the world’s largest producer of the fuel, has opened a new mine with an initial capacity of 12 million tonnes (mt) a year in Amrapali, Jharkhand.

Minister of State for Power and Coal Piyush Goyal, who dedicated the mine to the nation, urged Coal India to open mines faster.

The Narendra Modi-led Government has promised 24x7 electricity to all Indians. To achieve this goal, the country should beef up its coal production to supply necessary fuel to power plants.

“Power generation is dependent upon coal production and we seek the support of the people of all coal mining areas to enable the Government’s commitment,” Goyal said. The Coal Minister also requested all Parliamentarians from Jharkhand to help CCL get necessary clearances from the State Government for early completion of the Tori-Shivpur-Kathotia railway line, announced during the Railway Budget.

He also sought support of the local administration to get land authentication of villagers for ensuring the railway line starts without delays.

Goyal further called on Coal India to expeditiously work out a plan for safety and zero tolerance of accidents in all its mines.

The Amrapali mine is opencast and will be operated by CCL. A 10th Plan project, the mine has a sanctioned capital of ₹1,100 crore and is estimated to have 291 mt reserves that can be mined over 30 years. The mine covers forest land of 793 hectares and non-forest land of 633 hectares.“The present capacity of the mine is 12 mt a year, but can be expanded to 30 mt. Along with the three other mines adjoining this mine, the region can produce 100 mt of coal a year, enough to produce 20,000 MW of power,” said Gopal Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, CCL.

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