India’s domestic coal reserves continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the nation’s energy security, accounting for 55% of its total energy needs. According to a press release by the Ministry of Coal, the country’s proven coal and lignite reserves stand at a staggering 389.42 billion tonnes and 47.29 billion tonnes, respectively, as of April 1, 2024.
Record coal production
The government’s focus on enhancing domestic coal production has yielded remarkable results. In the financial year 2023-24, India achieved its highest-ever coal production of 997.83 million tonnes (MT), marking an 11.71% growth compared to the previous year. Provisional data for 2024-25 (up to February 2025) indicates a production of 929.15 MT, reflecting a 5.45% increase over the same period last year.
Technological advancements and policy reforms
To boost efficiency and safety, coal companies have adopted advanced technologies such as Continuous Miners (CMs) in underground mines and Surface Miners in opencast mines. Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) is also being utilized for overburden removal.
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