Dhanbad: In a landmark move aligning with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has successfully revived coal production from the long-inactive PB Project using the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model. This marks the first operational MDO coal mine in the Coal India ecosystem.
Awarded to Eagle Infra India Ltd. for a tenure of 25 years, the PB mine is projected to yield 52 million tonnes of coal, predominantly coking coal, a vital raw material for India’s steel and infrastructure sectors.
A Model for Self-Reliance in Coking Coal
The revival of the PB mine underlines India’s strategic push to reduce import dependency and secure domestic sources of coking coal. The project is expected to not only boost coal availability but also:
- Introduce advanced mining technologies and global best practices
- Generate local employment and regional economic upliftment
- Ensure transparent revenue-sharing with BCCL receiving 6% of gross revenue
- Promote sustainable and efficient resource use
Leadership Vision and Industry Endorsement
The project was inaugurated in the presence of senior leadership from Coal India and the Ministry of Coal. Union Minister for Coal and Mines Mr. G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of State Mr. Satish Chander Dubey, and Coal Secretary Mr. Vikram Dev Dutt played pivotal roles in supporting the initiative.
Speaking virtually at the event, Mr. P.M. Prasad, Chairman of Coal India Limited, hailed the project as a “pioneering step,” noting,
“The PB Project is not just about restarting an old mine. It’s about transforming challenges into national opportunities that empower communities and support India’s journey to energy self-sufficiency.”
BCCL’s Commitment to Mission Coking Coal
Mr Samiran Dutta, Chairman and Managing Director of BCCL, extended gratitude to all stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Coal and CIL, for their unwavering support. He reiterated BCCL’s commitment to advancing Mission Coking Coal, emphasizing the company’s role in import substitution, sustainable mining, and energy security.
Key BCCL leaders including Mr. Murli Krishna Ramaiah (Director HR), Mr. S.K. Singh (Director Technical – Operations), and Mr. Manoj Kumar Agarwal (Director Technical – Projects & Planning), along with leadership from Eagle Infra Pvt. Ltd., were also present at the event.
PB Project: A Template for Future Mining Partnerships
The success of the PB Project under the MDO framework is expected to serve as a benchmark for future public-private mining collaborations in India. The project showcases how legacy coal assets can be revived through efficient private sector involvement, ensuring transparency and public benefit under a revenue-sharing model.
Read Also: Coal India Confirms IPO Plans for CMPDIL and BCCL; DRHP Under Preparation
About BCCL
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under Coal India Limited. Established in 1972, BCCL’s primary function is mining and supplying coking coal, a crucial resource for the steel industry. It operates mines in the Jharia and Raniganj Coalfields, contributing significantly to India’s steel sector by meeting almost 50% of the total prime coking coal requirement
