Dhanbad: Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) has established what it describes as India’s first field-based methodology for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission assessment and development of emission factors for opencast coal mines. The methodology was successfully demonstrated through field sampling at the Amalgamated Block-II Opencast Project, Block-II Area, BCCL, on September 10, 2026.
The field sampling was conducted as part of an ongoing study on “Assessing Fugitive Emissions from Coal Mines & Fuel Transformation for BTR-2 & BTR-3”, being undertaken by CMPDI in association with IIT (ISM), Dhanbad.
CMPDI Develops Field-Based GHG Assessment Methodology
The successful field sampling marks an important step in developing a scientific and field-based approach to assessing GHG emissions from opencast coal mines.
The methodology is aimed at generating reliable field data that can support the development of appropriate emission factors for opencast coal mining activities. It is expected to contribute to more accurate and transparent estimation of greenhouse gas emissions for India’s BTR-3 reporting.
The initiative also reflects efforts to strengthen scientific approaches to climate reporting while supporting technological innovation in the coal mining sector.
Read also: CMPDI Honoured at Esri India User Conference 2026 for Geospatial Technology Innovations
Field Sampling Conducted at BCCL Opencast Mine
As part of the methodology development, CMPDI successfully conducted field sampling at the Amalgamated Block-II Opencast Project in Block-II Area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) on September 10, 2026.
The sampling forms part of the broader assessment of fugitive emissions from coal mines and fuel transformation. Field-based data collected through the exercise will help improve the understanding and quantification of GHG emissions associated with opencast coal mining.
Study to Cover 14 Opencast Coal Mines
As part of the broader assessment, the field-based methodology will be applied across 14 opencast coal mines belonging to major coal and power sector companies.
The coverage includes:
- Coal India Limited
- NTPC Limited
- NLC India Limited
- Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)
The wider field assessment is expected to generate a comprehensive dataset for evaluating GHG emissions from opencast mining operations across different companies and mining conditions.
CMPDI and IIT (ISM) Collaborate on GHG Study
The methodology has been developed under the ongoing study “Assessing Fugitive Emissions from Coal Mines & Fuel Transformation for BTR-2 & BTR-3.”
CMPDI is undertaking the study in association with IIT (ISM), Dhanbad. The collaboration combines field-based assessment with technical and scientific expertise to strengthen the estimation of fugitive emissions from coal mines.
The study is particularly significant for improving the quality of data used in India’s greenhouse gas reporting and supporting more transparent climate-related assessments.
Earlier GHG Assessment of Underground Coal Mine
CMPDI had earlier achieved another milestone in July 2026 by successfully assessing reliable field data for GHG emissions from an underground coal mine. The assessment was conducted at the Degree-III Underground Mine of the Moonidih Project, WJ Area, BCCL, on July 23, 2026.
The underground mine assessment complements the latest initiative for opencast mines and strengthens CMPDI’s efforts to develop field-based approaches for GHG emission assessment across different types of coal mining operations.
Significance for India’s Climate Reporting
The development of a field-based methodology for opencast coal mines is expected to strengthen the scientific basis of India’s GHG emission assessments.
The initiative can contribute to:
- More reliable field-based emission data
- Improved development of emission factors
- Greater transparency in GHG estimation
- Stronger scientific climate reporting
- Better assessment of fugitive emissions from coal mines
- Technological innovation in sustainable mining
The initiative marks an important step towards scientific climate reporting, technological innovation and sustainable coal mining practices in India.
About CMPDI
Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited and provides consultancy and engineering services for the coal and mining sector. Its areas of work include mine planning and design, exploration, environmental studies, mining technology and related technical services. CMPDI also undertakes research and technical studies aimed at supporting efficient, scientific and sustainable mining practices.
