Record Growth in India's Coal Sector Production and Dispatch in 2024
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New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) Coal production achieved an unprecedented milestone of 1,039.59 million tonnes (provisional) in 2024, representing a notable 7.28 percent increase compared to the previous year's total of 969.07 MT, according to a government announcement on Saturday.
In a similar vein, coal dispatches also reached an all-time high, with 1,012.72 MT (provisional) dispatched nationwide, surpassing the 950.39 MT recorded in 2023 by 6.56 percent, as indicated by government data.
"This sustained growth in both production and dispatch highlights the sector's dedication to ensuring the timely availability of coal for power generation and various industries, thereby enhancing national energy security," stated the Ministry of Coal.
The ministry also noted that the emphasis on optimizing coal production and developing infrastructure is in line with the objective of reducing reliance on coal imports, thereby fortifying the country’s self-sufficiency and contributing to long-term sustainable development.
Furthermore, total coal production from India’s captive and commercial mines soared by nearly 34.2 percent to reach 131.05 million MT between April 1 and December 31, 2024, rising from 97.665 MT during the same period last year.
The month of December recorded the highest monthly coal production from captive and commercial mines ever, with 18.40 MT produced during that month.
"This accomplishment exceeds all prior records, with a daily average production of 0.594 MT, representing a 30.75 percent increase from the daily average of 0.445 MT in December 2023," the official statement revealed.
The ministry also successfully auctioned an additional 9 mines in November as part of the 10th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions. These mines are anticipated to generate annual revenue of approximately Rs 1,446 crore, attract a capital investment of around Rs 2,115 crore, and create 19,063 job opportunities.
The nine mines possess a collective geological reserve of about 3,998.73 million tonnes.
