Ranchi: In a significant step towards sustainable mining and environmental conservation, Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) on May 3, 2025, to collaborate on the scientific use of fly ash in restoring mined-out land.
Under this strategic partnership, fly ash generated from thermal power plants will be used to backfill mine voids at the Dakara Open Cast Project, located in the North Karanpura (NK) Area of CCL. The initiative aims to restore ecological balance, reduce environmental impact, and promote “Green Mining” practices by transforming industrial by-products into valuable resources.
A Model for Sustainable Resource Utilization
The MoU marks a pioneering effort to repurpose fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion, for land reclamation in post-mining areas. This approach not only helps reclaim degraded land but also contributes to waste minimization and circular economy goals.
Senior officials, including PVUNL CEO Mr. R.K. Singh, CCL Director (Technical/Operations) Mr. Chandra Shekhar Tiwari, and Director (Project & Planning) Mr. Shankar Nagachari, were present at the signing ceremony. They emphasized the potential of the initiative to become a replicable model across India’s coal mining regions.
About Central Coalfields
Central Coalfields is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. Headquartered in Ranchi, Jharkhand, CCL was established in 1975 and plays a critical role in meeting India’s energy demands by producing thermal coal for various sectors, including power generation, steel, and cement. Operating across multiple coalfields in Jharkhand, CCL is committed to ensuring sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices.
About PVUNL
PVUNL, a joint venture of NTPC Ltd. (74% shareholding) and Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) (26%), operates thermal power facilities in Jharkhand. CCL, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, plays a crucial role in India’s coal production and is increasingly adopting environmentally responsible mining practices.
This partnership signifies a commitment to responsible resource management and is aligned with India’s broader vision for sustainable industrial development and environmental restoration.
