Kolkata: Coal India Limited (CIL) is stepping up its long-term transformation strategy with a massive ₹1,900 crore research and development (R&D) investment plan targeted through FY2030, according to a regulatory filing submitted to stock exchanges on June 30, 2026. The initiative marks a major shift for the state-run mining giant as it adapts to the global push toward cleaner energy and more efficient mining technologies.
The company, the world’s largest coal producer, is increasingly focusing on innovation-led growth, moving beyond traditional coal extraction to advanced technologies in sustainability, automation, and energy transition solutions.
R&D Spending Rises Four-Fold in FY25
Coal India has already significantly ramped up its innovation spending. The company’s R&D expenditure surged to ₹245 crore in FY 2024–25, compared to just ₹61 crore in FY 2023–24, reflecting a sharp strategic pivot toward technological development.
Officials said the company is shifting its focus from academic “proof-of-concept” research to practical, deployable prototypes that can be directly used in mining operations.
NaCCER Becomes Central Innovation Hub
A key driver of this transformation is the newly established National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER), which operates under a hub-and-spoke model. The centre is currently managing 19 major R&D projects with a combined outlay of ₹225 crore.
NaCCER is designed to coordinate research across institutions and ensure faster translation of scientific ideas into operational mining technologies.
₹253 Crore Investment in IIT-Based Centres of Excellence
To strengthen collaboration between industry and academia, Coal India has committed ₹253 crore to establish dedicated Centres of Excellence at three premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs):
IIT Hyderabad (CLEANZ)
Focused on clean energy technologies, including:
- Carbon capture and storage
- Rare earth element extraction from mining waste
- Conversion of high-ash coal into synthetic gas
IIT Madras (CSE)
Dedicated to post-mining sustainability and energy systems:
- Mine land repurposing
- Treatment of contaminated wastewater
- Feasibility studies on small modular nuclear reactors
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad (IMiN)
Specialized in mining engineering:
- Advanced mining research
- Operational efficiency improvements
- Training future mining professionals through fellowships
Global Partnerships and Automation Push
Coal India is also expanding international collaborations to accelerate modernization. The company has partnered with:
- Ericsson (Sweden) for deploying 5G connectivity in underground mines, including at the Jhanjra mine, enabling real-time automation and safer operations
- Ergo Exergy (Canada) for exploring underground coal gasification technologies
- CSIRO (Australia) for mining safety and advanced extraction research
These initiatives are aimed at improving productivity while reducing operational risks in hazardous mining environments.
Broader Research Focus Areas
The company’s expanded R&D portfolio includes:
- Clean coal technologies
- Carbon capture and utilization
- Rare earth mineral recovery from waste
- Sustainable mining practices
- Advanced digital and automation systems
Coal India has emphasized that its innovation strategy is increasingly aligned with India’s long-term energy transition goals.
About Coal India Limited
Coal India Limited (CIL) is a Government of India-owned Maharatna company and the world’s largest coal producer. It plays a crucial role in India’s energy sector, supplying the majority of the country’s coal while gradually expanding into renewable energy projects like solar power to support long-term sustainability goals.
