India's Coal Production Achieves 5.3% Growth, Reaching 97.94 Million Tonnes in December 2024
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New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) The overall coal production in India observed a growth rate of 5.33% during December 2024, reaching an impressive 97.94 million tonnes (MT) compared to the 92.98 MT recorded in the same month the previous year, according to a statement from the Coal Ministry released on Wednesday.
Production from captive and other mines amounted to 18.95 MT, showcasing a remarkable growth of 29.61% compared to 14.62 MT in the corresponding period of the last year.
The total coal production up until December 24 also saw substantial growth, hitting 726.29 MT in FY 2024-25, compared to 684.45 MT during the same timeframe in FY 2023-24, signifying an increase of 6.11%, as stated.
In terms of coal dispatch, the figures for December 24 soared to 92.59 MT, in contrast to 87.06 MT in December 2023, achieving a growth rate of 6.36%.
Dispatches from captive and other mines reached 18.13 MT, marking a growth of 31.83% compared to the same period last year.
Moreover, the cumulative coal dispatch up to December 2024 reached 750.75 MT in FY 2024-25, compared to 711.07 MT in FY 2023-24, which recorded an impressive growth of 5.58%.
The Ministry of Coal stated that ongoing initiatives are aimed at boosting production, ensuring seamless dispatch, and meeting the nation’s escalating energy requirements.
The consistent rise in coal production and dispatch is vital for achieving self-reliance in coal and fulfilling the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
India’s coal imports decreased by 3.1% to 149.39 million tonnes (MT) during the April-October period of FY 2024-25, down from 154.17 MT for the same period last year, largely due to a rise in domestic production.
Additionally, the Non-Regulated Sector (excluding power) experienced a notable decline of 8.8% during April-October 2024 compared to the previous year.
Despite having the fifth-largest coal reserves globally, India encounters a significant shortfall in specific coal types, particularly coking coal and high-grade thermal coal, which are not sufficiently available from domestic sources.
This shortfall necessitates coal imports to sustain key industries, such as steel manufacturing, and to meet the growing energy demand.
Although there was a notable increase of 3.87% in coal-based power generation from April 2024 to October 2024 compared to the same period last year, imports for blending purposes by thermal power plants diminished significantly by 19.5% during the same timeframe, as reported by the Coal Ministry.
