Govt Allocates 18 Coal Mines to Private Operators

14 Aug 2024 CW Team

The government announced that out of the 28 coal mining projects designated for operation through mining operators-cum-developers (MDOs), 18 mines have been allocated to leading private firms. The involvement of these MDOs is expected to significantly contribute to coal production by enhancing output and operational efficiency.

The coal ministry indicated that initially, Coal India (CIL) had identified 15 coal mine projects with a combined capacity of 168 million tonnes (MT) for MDO implementation. This number has now increased to 28 projects, comprising 18 opencast and 10 underground mines, with a total capacity of 257 MT. As of the present, 18 mines have been awarded to prominent private entities, representing a major achievement in this ambitious initiative.

The main objective of engaging MDOs is to substantially boost coal production by streamlining operations, increasing productivity, and reducing mining costs. These operators, chosen through global tenders, will manage the entire mining process?from excavation and extraction to coal delivery?according to the agreed plans.

The MDOs will be responsible for excavating, extracting, and delivering coal to CIL as per the approved mining plans, thereby enhancing domestic coal production. By collaborating with MDOs known for their advanced technology, CIL aims to modernize mining practices and improve operational efficiency.

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

Mizoram To Build Rs 139 Billion Pumped Storage Power Plant

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday announced plans to construct a 2,400 MW pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in Hnahthial district, marking a major step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency in the state. Addressing the Mizo Students’ Union general conference in Hnahthial town, the Chief Minister said the plant would be developed across the Darzo Nallah, a tributary of the Tuipui river. Once operational, the project is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting Mizoram’s rising electricity demand and reducing dependence on imported power. Officials from the State Power..

Centre Plans Nationwide Opening Of Power Retail Market

India is preparing to open up its retail electricity market to private companies nationwide, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of state-run power distributors in most regions, according to a draft bill released by the Union Power Ministry on Friday. The move will enable major private sector players — including Adani Enterprises, Tata Power, Torrent Power, and CESC — to expand their presence across the country’s electricity distribution landscape. A similar reform attempt in 2022 had faced strong opposition from state-run distribution companies (discoms), which currently dom..

CEA Sets 100 GW Nuclear Target For India By 2047

In a landmark step marking its 52nd Foundation Day, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) unveiled an ambitious roadmap to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term Net-Zero commitment and energy security objectives. The event, held at the Central Water Commission auditorium in New Delhi’s R.K. Puram, was attended by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, who served as the Chief Guest. The roadmap sets out a detailed plan to expand India’s nuclear capacity from its current level of approximately 8,180 MW as of early 2025, outl..