CIL approves most capacity addition in a year

Mining major Coal India Limited (CIL) has approved 32 new coal mining projects in the ongoing financial year (FY) at an estimated cost of Rs 47,000 crore. Out of the 32, 24 are an expansion of existing projects, and the remaining eight are greenfield projects. The combined incremental peak capacity of these projects is projected at 193 million tonne per annum (mtpa). This will be in addition to the already sanctioned capacity of 303.5 mtpa, CIL told the media. The incremental production by FY 2024 from the approved 32 expansion and the new greenfield projects would be to the tune of around 81 mtpa. CIL stated that this was the highest addition, either in terms of projects or capacity addition in a single FY. CIL and boards of the respective subsidiary companies have given their nod for the move.4th Indian Cement Review Conference 202117-18 March Click for event info Of the 193 mtpa capacity of 32 projects, the three subsidiaries of CIL, Central Coalfields Ltd(CCL), South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), and Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) at 167 mtpa between them form the bulk at 86.5%. SECL with six projects at an estimated incremental investment of Rs 18,657 crore accounts for 63.5 mtpa, followed by CCL at an investment of Rs 7,520 crore for 10 projects of 56.6 mtpa. MCL with three projects would add up to 47 mtpa at an investment of Rs 14,057 crore. The remaining 26 mtpa capacity would be met through Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), and Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), with the remaining investment between them. CIL is strengthening rail evacuation infrastructure as well, through setting up rail lines, sidings, and first mile connectivity projects in the companies from where the majority of the output is expected. Image Source Also read: Coal sector to see major investments: Home Minister Also read: Coal India’s import substitution drive with 17 power plants