New Delhi: In a groundbreaking move toward sustainable coal mining, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has signed a ₹7040 crore agreement with TMC Mineral Resources Pvt. Ltd. to implement paste fill technology at its Singhali underground coal mine in the Korba area of Chhattisgarh.
With this initiative, SECL is set to become India’s first coal PSU to adopt paste fill technology-an environmentally friendly mining method that enhances safety, reduces land acquisition needs, and utilizes industrial waste for mine filling.
The 25-year project is projected to yield approximately 8.4 million tonnes of G-7 grade non-coking coal. The Singhali mine, operational since 1993, currently holds 8.45 million tonnes of extractable reserves but has faced operational constraints due to surface infrastructure like villages, power lines, and public roads.
What is Paste Fill Technology?
Paste fill technology involves filling mined-out voids with a paste composed of fly ash, crushed overburden, cement, water, and binding chemicals. This not only eliminates the risk of land subsidence but also promotes reuse of industrial waste, aligning with green mining goals.
A New Era for Indian Mining
The introduction of paste fill will allow underground mining to continue without disturbing surface infrastructure, offering a viable alternative to traditional caving methods-especially in densely populated areas.
Speaking on the occasion, SECL CMD Harish Duhan stated, “Paste fill technology will not only secure the future of underground mining but also offer an innovative, eco-friendly solution. This project is a landmark step toward green mining and will shape the future of the coal industry.”
This initiative sets a new benchmark for Indian coal PSUs, signaling a shift toward sustainable and technologically advanced mining practices.
