New Delhi: Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) Manoj Kumar Agarwal has directed officials to accelerate coal production, speed up dewatering and overburden removal, and improve coal dispatch during an inspection of mines and washeries in the East Jharia (EJ) area. He also expressed concern over the underperformance of coal washeries and called for immediate corrective measures to ensure efficient operations and the supply of quality coal.
The inspection focused on improving mining efficiency, addressing operational bottlenecks, achieving production targets approved under Environmental Clearance (EC), and strengthening coal dispatch infrastructure to meet the growing requirements of the power sector.
CMD Directs Faster Dewatering and Coal Production at ABNS Colliery
During his visit to the C-2 Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) patch of Amalgamated Bhaura North-South (ABNS) Colliery, Agarwal directed officials to expedite dewatering operations and increase coal production.
He instructed the General Manager (E&M) and Regional Manager (E&M) to ensure the prompt drainage of mining patches so that mining activities could continue without interruption.
Reviewing coal exposure levels, the CMD directed mine officials and the contractor to increase daily production and accelerate overburden (OB) removal. He emphasised the need to achieve the required production rate and fully utilise the mine’s production capacity of 2.3 million tonnes under the Environmental Clearance (EC).
BCCL Plans to Improve Coal Dispatch Efficiency
Agarwal also reviewed daily coal dispatch operations and directed officials to commission an additional weighbridge to streamline coal movement and improve dispatch efficiency.
The proposed weighbridge is expected to support smoother coal transportation and help improve the handling of dispatch operations.
The inspection team included the East Jharia Area General Manager, the Project Officer of ABNS Colliery, senior area officials and representatives of the outsourcing company.
CMD Reviews Fire-Affected Patch at Sudamdih Pathardih Colliery
The CMD subsequently inspected the fire-affected patch at Amalgamated Sudamdih Pathardih Colliery, where he reviewed drainage arrangements and mining operations.
He directed officials to achieve the required production rate without delay and ensure that coal output remained aligned with the capacity approved under the Environmental Clearance.
Agarwal also reviewed the relocation of encroachers whose removal is necessary for the further expansion of the mining patch. He called for the relocation process to be completed in a phased and time-bound manner to facilitate the expansion of mining operations.
Manoj Kumar Agarwal Flags Underperformance of Bhojudih and Dahibari Washeries
During his visit to Bhojudih Washery, which has an annual processing capacity of 2 million tonnes (MTY), Agarwal expressed dissatisfaction with its performance.
He informed senior officials of the operating company, ACB, that the performance of both Bhojudih Washery, with a capacity of 2 MTY, and Dahibari Washery, with a capacity of 1.6 MTY, had fallen short of expectations.
The CMD called for immediate corrective measures to improve the operational performance of both washeries and ensure the supply of quality coal.
Pathardih-II Washery Project Progress Reviewed
Agarwal also raised concerns over the slow progress of Pathardih-II Washery, which is under construction and has a planned annual capacity of 2.5 million tonnes.
He directed the concerned officials to address the delays and take necessary steps to accelerate the project’s progress. Improving the performance of existing washeries and advancing the construction of Pathardih-II Washery remain important for strengthening coal-washing capacity and ensuring a reliable supply of quality coal.
BCCL Focuses on Production Targets, Operational Efficiency and Safety
Concluding the inspection, Agarwal urged field teams to exceed production targets through coordinated efforts, improved operational efficiency and strict adherence to safety standards.
He emphasised the need to remove operational bottlenecks, improve drainage and overburden removal, strengthen coal dispatch infrastructure and take timely action to improve washery performance.
The inspection highlights BCCL’s continued focus on increasing coal output, improving mining productivity, addressing delays in washery operations and supporting the country’s growing energy requirements.
About Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited and a major producer of coking coal in India. Headquartered in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, the company operates coal mines and coal washeries, primarily in the Jharia coalfield of Jharkhand and the Raniganj coalfield of West Bengal. BCCL plays an important role in supplying coking coal to the steel industry and supporting the country’s broader coal and energy requirements.
Read also: BCCL Raises Coking Coal Prices by Up to 14% for Non-Regulated Sector, New Rates Effective October 14
