Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh): In a significant strategic shift toward environmentally sustainable mining, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a leading subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has announced its plan to increase the share of coal production from underground mines to 25% by 2030.
This move marks a sharp rise from the current level of just 6.5% and reflects a broader push by the government and the coal sector to adopt cleaner, safer, and more advanced mining technologies.
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SECL Targets 65 Million Tonnes from Underground Mining by FY2030
According to SECL CMD Harish Duhan, the company aims to produce around 65 million tonnes (MT) of coal through underground mining by FY2029-30, as part of its total coal production target of 260 MT for that year.
In comparison, SECL produced 168 MT of coal in FY2024-25, with only 11 MT—just 6.5%—coming from underground operations.
“Underground coal mining is an environment-friendly method of extraction. With modern technologies like mass production systems and continuous miners, we can scale output sustainably while ensuring safety,” said Duhan.
National Push: Coal Ministry Targets 100 MT from Underground Mines by 2030
SECL’s announcement aligns with the Ministry of Coal’s national target of achieving 100 MT of underground coal production by 2030. Currently, underground mining contributes only 3.4% to CIL’s total output, with just 26 MT of coal produced from underground mines in FY2023-24, out of 773.64 MT overall.
SECL, which owns the largest number of underground coal mines among all CIL subsidiaries, is expected to play a key role in meeting this national target.
56 Projects Identified for Mass Production Technology
To achieve the underground mining targets, SECL has identified 56 projects where mass production technology will be deployed. These include the use of Continuous Miners, which offer a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional blasting methods.
“With the deployment of advanced machinery and automation, we aim to more than double our underground output by 2030. These technologies also significantly improve safety outcomes,” said Duhan.
Tech Highlight: Low-Height Continuous Miner Commissioned at NCPH Mine
In a recent development, Minister of State for Coal, Satish Chandra Dubey, virtually inaugurated a state-of-the-art low-height Continuous Miner machine at SECL’s NCPH underground mine in the Chirimiri Area.
This machine is part of the broader effort to integrate modern equipment that increases efficiency while ensuring safety in underground operations.
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Why Underground Mining Matters
While open-cast mining remains dominant due to lower costs, underground mining has significant environmental and land-use advantages. It causes minimal surface disruption, reduces the need for large-scale land acquisition, and has lower visual and ecological impact.
This transition to increased underground mining also represents a balance between energy security and environmental responsibility, especially in coal-rich regions like Chhattisgarh.
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)
SECL is the largest coal producing company of India. It is a Miniratna Company, and one of eight fully owned subsidiaries of Coal India Limited. The company has its headquarter at Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India and 92 mines spread over Chhattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh; 70 underground, 21 opencast, and 1 mixed. It is a schedule ‘B’ Mini Ratna CPSE in coal & lignite under the administrative control of the Ministry of Coal.
