New Delhi: State-run Coal India Limited (CIL) is preparing to list two of its key subsidiaries — South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) — in the financial year 2026-27, following approval from the Ministry of Coal. The move aims to unlock the market potential of the two high-performing subsidiaries, which together account for more than 52% of CIL’s total coal production.
Government Approval and Board Sanction
The Ministry of Coal has directed CIL to take concrete steps to list SECL and MCL in the upcoming financial year. In response, CIL’s board has granted in-principle approval for SECL, with the proposal now slated to be communicated to the Ministry for onward submission to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). According to CIL, the proposed listing of SECL is contingent on the completion of various regulatory approvals.
Currently, CIL has already initiated the listing process for two other subsidiaries — Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Jharkhand and the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL).
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Strategic Importance of SECL and MCL
SECL and MCL are crucial to Coal India’s overall production portfolio. SECL owns India’s largest coal mine, Gevra in Chhattisgarh, which is set to become the world’s largest coal mine. MCL, based in Odisha, is the single largest contributor to CIL’s output, accounting for 29% of total production.
Production Plans:
- MCL: Produced 225 million tonnes (MT) in FY2024-25. Targets include 239 MT in FY2025-26, 250 MT in FY2026-27, 265 MT in FY2027-28, 285 MT in FY2028-29, and 305 MT in FY2029-30. Production is projected to reach 358 MT by FY2034-35.
- SECL: Produced 167.49 MT in FY2024-25. Targets include 212 MT in FY2025-26, 228 MT in FY2026-27, 240 MT in FY2027-28, and 250 MT by FY2028-29, coinciding with CIL’s plan to achieve 1 billion tonnes of coal production.
These projections highlight the strategic role of SECL and MCL in meeting Coal India’s ambitious long-term production goals and supporting India’s energy security.
Towards 1 Billion Tonnes by FY30
Coal India produces around 80% of India’s total coal, making it a cornerstone of the country’s energy sector. The proposed listings of SECL and MCL align with CIL’s broader vision of scaling its annual coal production to one billion tonnes by the end of this decade. The public listing is expected to attract investment, improve corporate governance, and provide the subsidiaries with additional financial flexibility to expand operations.
About Coal India Limited (CIL)
Coal India Limited is a state-owned public sector undertaking and the world’s largest coal mining company. Headquartered in Kolkata, CIL produces around 80% of India’s domestic coal and operates multiple subsidiaries across coal-rich states. The company plays a critical role in supporting India’s energy requirements, industrial growth, and strategic infrastructure projects.
