New Delhi: The Ministry of Coal, Government of India, has assigned Mr. Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), the additional charge of CMD of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). The responsibility will take effect from February 1, 2026, for a period of three months or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Leadership Track Record at SECL
Mr. Harish Duhan assumed charge as CMD of SECL on March 27, 2025. Under his leadership, SECL has achieved significant progress in land acquisition, quality coal production, sustainable mining practices, and women empowerment.
A notable milestone during his tenure has been SECL becoming India’s first coal PSU to implement paste-fill technology in underground mines, a major step toward sustainable mining. Between April and November 2025, SECL also secured possession of a record 236 hectares of land for mega projects, overcoming long-standing land acquisition challenges.
SECL has further set benchmarks in workplace inclusion and gender empowerment by commissioning Coal India’s first fully women-operated dispensary and an all-women Central Store Unit.
Extensive Experience in the Coal Sector
Mr. Duhan brings over 34 years of experience in the coal mining sector. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering from Nagpur University, a First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management.
He began his career in 1989 with WCL and has held several key positions, including:
- Director (Technical–Operations), Central Coalfields Limited (CCL)
- Area General Manager, Nigahi Project, Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL)
- General Manager, Corporate Project Planning
Mr. Duhan also has specialized expertise in environment-friendly First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects, digital transformation initiatives, and solar power projects, making him a forward-looking and sustainability-driven leader in India’s coal sector.
About SECL
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is the largest coal-producing subsidiary of Coal India Limited and a leading public sector coal company in India. SECL focuses on sustainable mining, quality coal production, and inclusive growth, while pioneering initiatives in environmental sustainability and women empowerment in the mining sector.
About WCL
Western Coalfields Limited, a key subsidiary of Coal India Limited, operates in central India and is known for its extensive CSR initiatives targeting education, health, and community welfare.
Read also: SECL Signs ₹3,299 Crore Deal with JARPL–AT Consortium for 10-Year Rampur Batura Coal Mining Project
