Ministry of Coal Expands MDO Initiative to Boost Production

14 Aug 2024 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..