+
Ministry of Coal Expands MDO Initiative to Boost Production
COAL & MINING

Ministry of Coal Expands MDO Initiative to Boost Production

The Ministry of Coal has significantly expanded its Mining Developers cum Operators (MDO) initiative to include 28 coal mine projects under Coal India Limited (CIL), with a combined production capacity of approximately 257 million tonnes (MT). This expansion marks a notable increase from the initially identified 15 projects with a capacity of 168 MT.

To date, 18 mines have been awarded to private operators through open global tenders. These MDOs are responsible for managing the entire mining process, including excavation, extraction, and coal delivery, according to approved plans. The initiative aims to modernize operations, boost production efficiency, and reduce India's reliance on imported coal.

Beyond increasing production, MDOs are also tasked with handling critical issues such as Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R), land acquisition, and obtaining environmental clearances. They will work closely with state and central pollution control boards to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Each MDO contract is set for 25 years or the mine?s lifespan, whichever is shorter.

This strategic move by the Ministry of Coal is a significant step towards modernizing India's coal mining sector and enhancing the country?s energy security by ramping up domestic coal production.

The Ministry of Coal has significantly expanded its Mining Developers cum Operators (MDO) initiative to include 28 coal mine projects under Coal India Limited (CIL), with a combined production capacity of approximately 257 million tonnes (MT). This expansion marks a notable increase from the initially identified 15 projects with a capacity of 168 MT. To date, 18 mines have been awarded to private operators through open global tenders. These MDOs are responsible for managing the entire mining process, including excavation, extraction, and coal delivery, according to approved plans. The initiative aims to modernize operations, boost production efficiency, and reduce India's reliance on imported coal. Beyond increasing production, MDOs are also tasked with handling critical issues such as Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R), land acquisition, and obtaining environmental clearances. They will work closely with state and central pollution control boards to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Each MDO contract is set for 25 years or the mine?s lifespan, whichever is shorter. This strategic move by the Ministry of Coal is a significant step towards modernizing India's coal mining sector and enhancing the country?s energy security by ramping up domestic coal production.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

As part of its drive to modernise vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Gujarat’s Labour and Employment Department, held a State-Level Workshop at the NAMTECH Campus within IIT-Gandhinagar to discuss the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation.The consultation brought together key stakeholders from industry and the training ecosystem to align expectations and support implementation of the scheme, which aims to transform 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. The total outlay stands ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 250 stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, and financial institutions. The summit, held under the ambit of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, focused on transforming India into a leading maritime power with strengthened financial, infrastructural, and technological capabilities.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised India's strategic progress, noting that average port turnaround times have dropped from four days to u..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

The Central Government, through its ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ scheme, has allocated Rs 500 million to strengthen the community radio ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to assist both newly established and long-operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs), ensuring their relevance to local educational, social, cultural, and developmental needs.According to the policy published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CRSs may be set up by not-for-profit organisations with at least three years of demonstrated community service. These stations are ex..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?