New Delhi: NLC India Limited’s Talabira II & III Open Cast Coal Mine in Odisha has achieved its highest-ever annual coal production of 19.14 million tonnes (MT) in FY 2025-26, registering a year-on-year growth of 11.28%.
Located across Sambalpur and Jharsuguda districts, the mine was allocated to NLC India on May 2, 2016, under Schedule III of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015.
The mine also recorded its highest-ever daily production of 1,26,138.07 tonnes on March 21, 2026, while monthly production reached an all-time high of 3.39 MT in March 2026.
Talabira II & III Records Highest-Ever Coal Dispatch
The strong production performance was accompanied by record coal dispatch during FY 2025-26.
The mine achieved its highest-ever annual dispatch of 17.69 MT, including:
- 10.72 MT supplied to the power sector
- 6.97 MT supplied to the non-regulated sector
Coal produced at Talabira II & III supports power plants across several states, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
Major power-generation facilities supported by the mine include NTPC Darlipali, NTPC Gadarwara, NTPC Khargone and NTPC Kudgi, among others.
Cumulative Production Crosses 72 MT
The mine has maintained a sustained growth trajectory since production began.
As of August 14, 2026, Talabira II & III had achieved:
- Cumulative coal production: 72.23 MT
- Cumulative coal dispatch: 70.89 MT
The performance highlights the contribution of operationalised coal resources to India’s domestic coal availability and energy security.
Digital Technology Improves Mine Efficiency
Technology has played an important role in improving operational efficiency at Talabira II & III.
The mine uses a Digital Logistics Management System (DLMS) for end-to-end digital monitoring of coal transportation and dispatch.
The system incorporates:
- RFID-based vehicle verification
- AI-enabled cameras
- Technology-enabled entry and exit gates
- GPS-based fleet management
- Geo-fencing
- Drone-based surveying
- 3D terrestrial laser scanning
- Mechanised truck loading
- Continuous ambient air quality monitoring
- CCTV surveillance
Following the implementation of DLMS, the average entry-gate processing time declined from 1.42 minutes to 0.54 minutes per vehicle.
Similarly, tare weighment time reduced from 1.34 minutes to 0.48 minutes per vehicle.
Focus on Environmental Sustainability
The mine has also implemented several measures aimed at responsible and environmentally sustainable mining.
Plantation activities have been undertaken across both the mine lease and surrounding areas:
- 23.43 hectares within the mine lease, covering 64,288 plants
- 29.48 hectares outside the mine lease, covering 65,202 plants
The mine has also installed 11.68 kW of solar power capacity, including solar street lighting in nearby villages and solar lighting within mine infrastructure.
Dust-control measures include wet drilling, water sprinkling, fog cannons, fixed sprinkling systems, wind barriers, truck-washing systems and mechanised road sweeping.
Talabira Mine Maintains Zero Fatalities
Safety remains a key focus at Talabira II & III, which has recorded nil fatal accidents since inception.
The mine has implemented measures including:
- Safety Management Plan
- Improved haul-road and traffic management
- PPE compliance
- Strengthened blasting procedures
- Safety training
- Near-miss reporting through the ARAN Safety App
Talabira II & III has received multiple recognitions under the Annual Mines Safety Fortnight and secured a Five-Star Rating under the Ministry of Coal’s Star Rating Evaluation consecutively from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
Mine Supports More Than 3,200 Employment Opportunities
The project has contributed to employment and skill development in the region.
Talabira II & III supports 3,277 employment opportunities, comprising:
- 1,277 direct employment opportunities
- Around 2,000 indirect employment opportunities through transportation and allied activities
Five Project Affected Persons have received skill-development training at the Skill Development Institute, Bhubaneswar.
In addition, 101 rural youth and women have been trained in sustainable livelihood initiatives through RSETI and PMKVY centres.
₹5.32 Crore CSR Spending in FY 2025-26
Community development has also been an important component of the mine’s activities.
NLC India spent ₹5.32 crore on CSR initiatives in FY 2025-26, covering areas such as:
- Healthcare
- Drinking water
- Education
- School transportation
- Rural infrastructure
- Sports and cultural activities
- Solar lighting
Health and blood-donation camps benefited around 1,500 people, while drinking-water supply through tankers benefited approximately 10,000 people.
During FY 2026-27 up to July 2026, another ₹4.20 crore was spent on initiatives including drinking-water supply, healthcare support, solar lighting, school and Anganwadi infrastructure, rural roads, community facilities and water-body rejuvenation.
Talabira II & III Supports India’s Energy Security
From its allocation in 2016 to achieving record production and dispatch, Talabira II & III has emerged as an important contributor to India’s domestic coal supply.
The mine’s performance combines high-capacity production, digital technology, safety, environmental management, employment generation and community development.
With 19.14 MT of record annual production, 17.69 MT of record annual dispatch, cumulative production of 72.23 MT and cumulative dispatch of 70.89 MT, the mine demonstrates the contribution of operationalised coal resources to India’s energy security and the broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
About NLC India
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. The company is engaged in lignite and coal mining as well as power generation and renewable energy projects, contributing to India’s energy security and the country’s transition towards a more diversified energy portfolio.
Read also: NLC India Bags Gold at CSR TIMES Awards 2026 for Over 150 Rural Infrastructure Projects
