Kolkata: Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has signed an Escrow Agreement for the Kumardih-Tirat OC-UG Mine under the administrative control of the Satgram-Sripur Area.
The agreement was signed on September 14, 2026, between the Coal Controller Organisation under the Ministry of Coal, Eastern Coalfields Limited and Union Bank of India. The agreement has been executed in accordance with the New Guidelines, 2025.
Agreement Aims to Strengthen Mine Closure Practices
The signing of the Escrow Agreement marks a step towards strengthening responsible, transparent and sustainable mine closure practices.
The agreement is intended to support a structured approach to mine closure and ensure that closure-related financial and administrative processes are managed in accordance with the applicable guidelines.
Key aspects of the initiative include:
- Responsible mine closure planning.
- Greater transparency in closure-related processes.
- Sustainable mine closure practices.
- Compliance with the New Guidelines, 2025.
- Strengthening institutional arrangements for mine closure.
Read also: ECL Inaugurates AMRIT Pharmacy at Sanctoria Hospital to Provide Affordable Medicines
Coal Controller Organisation and Union Bank of India Part of Agreement
The Escrow Agreement brings together three key stakeholders:
- Coal Controller Organisation, Ministry of Coal
- Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL)
- Union Bank of India
The agreement provides an institutional framework for managing the escrow mechanism associated with the Kumardih-Tirat OC-UG Mine.
The move reflects the broader emphasis on responsible mine closure and sustainable practices in the coal mining sector.
ECL Officials Represent Satgram-Sripur Area
ECL was represented during the signing by officials from the Satgram-Sripur Area and the company’s specialised mine closure and geology functions.
The ECL representatives included:
- Robin Thounaoja, General Manager, Satgram-Sripur Area.
- Raju Rajak, Senior Manager, Geology, Mine Closure Plan, Geo-Tech & New Initiative Department.
Their participation reflects coordination between the operational area and the departments responsible for mine closure planning and related technical activities.
Focus on Transparent and Sustainable Mine Closure
The agreement for the Kumardih-Tirat OC-UG Mine highlights ECL’s efforts to strengthen structured and responsible mine closure practices.
By executing the agreement under the New Guidelines, 2025, ECL is aligning its mine closure processes with the updated framework and reinforcing transparency and sustainability in closure-related activities.
About Eastern Coalfields Limited
Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited and is engaged in coal mining operations primarily in West Bengal and Jharkhand. Headquartered in Sanctoria, West Bengal, ECL operates mines and contributes to India’s coal production and energy security. The company also undertakes initiatives related to mine safety, environmental management and responsible mine closure.
Read also: ECL Launches Special Campaign 6.0, Focuses on E-Waste, Pendency Reduction and Digitalisation
