India plans 45 new coal mines over five years, 54 already operational

02 Dec 2024 CW Team

India is gearing up to expand its coal mining operations with plans for 45 new projects over the next five years, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy informed the Rajya Sabha. Of these, Coal India Limited (CIL) will develop 36 mines, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) will open seven, and NLC India Limited (NLCIL) will add two new mines. The Ministry of Coal has allocated 175 coal blocks, with 65 receiving mine opening permissions. Currently, 54 mines are operational, significantly contributing to India's domestic coal output. India's coal production reached 537.57 million tonnes (MT) in the fiscal year up to October 2024, a notable rise from 778.21 MT in 2021-22 and 997.83 MT in 2023-24. Odisha and Chhattisgarh remain the largest producers, with outputs of 142.13 MT and 101.61 MT, respectively, in FY25 (up to October). Coal mining projects, essential for energy security, often pose environmental and social challenges due to extensive land use, including forested areas. To address these, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are conducted, and Environment Management Plans (EMP) are prepared. “Environmental clearances are granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) following public consultations and compliance with mitigation measures,” Reddy stated. Resettlement and rehabilitation for displaced individuals are carried out under the policies of respective companies and states. Water consumption varies by mine design, area, and technology, with primary use for dust suppression and domestic purposes. Approvals for water usage are obtained from the Central Ground Water Authority, supported by hydrogeological studies and groundwater modelling. (ET)

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..