Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (GMDC) is expanding its national presence through a calibrated entry into the coal sector, complementing its long-established leadership in lignite. As part of this diversification strategy, GMDC has acquired three coal blocks in Odisha, with the Baitarni-West coal mine emerging as the most value-accretive asset owing to its scale and geological potential.

Aligned with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, the 15 MTPA Baitarni-West mine is positioned to enhance India’s energy ecosystem. GMDC today awarded operational responsibilities to a mining partner at its Ahmedabad corporate office, ensuring the project progresses towards planned production.

GMDC emphasized that this step reflects its commitment to disciplined execution, operational alignment and long-term, future-oriented growth. The award of work supports a phased development strategy while strengthening visibility around GMDC’s sustainable coal business. This approach underpins the Corporation’s objective of building a balanced, diversified and future-ready mining portfolio that complements its lignite operations and creates enduring stakeholder value.

The company has secured Stage-I Forest Clearance (FC) and Environmental Clearance (EC) for the Baitarni-West Opencast Coal Mine from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). These approvals represent major regulatory progress and enable systematic advancement of mine development. GMDC reiterated its commitment to meeting statutory timelines and implementing responsible mining practices in line with its long-term growth agenda.

Managing Director Roopwant Singh, IAS, stated: “Advancing the Baitarni-West coal mine to this stage within 2.5 years highlights GMDC’s focus on efficient project development and sustainable value creation. Our progress reflects a disciplined approach to building high-quality mining assets that support regional development and strengthen the Corporation’s long-term growth trajectory.”