Dhanbad: Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) came under renewed strategic focus during the two-day visit of Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister, to Dhanbad and adjoining areas from August 31 to September 1, 2026.
Kapoor reviewed BCCL’s operational performance, major mining projects, safety measures, technological interventions and future expansion plans. The visit also focused on the Jharia coalfield’s fire-affected areas and rehabilitation of families living in high-risk zones.
BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal welcomed Kapoor at Durgapur Airport on August 31. Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan and SSP Prabhat Kumar were also present, highlighting coordination between BCCL and the district administration.
Tarun Kapoor Reviews BCCL Production and Expansion Plans
During the review meeting at Koyla Bhawan, Kapoor assessed BCCL’s production and offtake performance, coal reserves, mining capacity, safety measures, technology deployment, washeries and plans for capacity expansion.
BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal presented the company’s operational performance, achievements, challenges and future action plans. Director (Technical/Operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh made a detailed presentation covering operational performance, strategic initiatives and growth plans.
The review covered:
- Underground and opencast mining operations
- Overburden removal and production potential
- Production targets up to 2030-31
- Coal reserves and mining capacity
- Mine safety measures
- Technology deployment
- Coal washeries and washing capacity
- Coal quality improvement initiatives
- Capacity expansion plans
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Focus on Longwall, Highwall and Advanced Mining Technologies
Kapoor reviewed BCCL’s plans to increase the use of modern mining technologies to improve operational efficiency and coal production.
The company’s deployment of Longwall Mining and Highwall Mining technologies was discussed, along with plans to expand the use of Surface Miners and Continuous Miners.
Kapoor also reviewed the restructuring of opencast blocks in the Jharia Coalfield and the redevelopment of discontinued mines through the Mine Developer-cum-Operator (MDO) and revenue-sharing model.
The performance of coal washeries and expansion of washing capacity were also discussed, with emphasis on improving the quality of coal produced by the company.
PM Advisor Stresses Scientific Utilisation of Coking Coal Resources
Kapoor emphasised the strategic importance of BCCL in meeting India’s coking coal requirements.
He called for the scientific and optimal utilisation of available resources while stressing the need for:
- Capacity enhancement
- Improved operational efficiency
- Sustainable growth
- Better utilisation of available coal resources
- Strengthening the company’s profitability
He also interacted with BCCL’s Area General Managers to understand operational and administrative challenges and review the measures being taken to address them.
Kapoor Inspects Moonidih CBM and Longwall Projects
Following the review meeting, Kapoor inspected BCCL’s Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Block-I Project.
Officials briefed him on gas extraction technology, the progress of the project and its implementation plans.
Kapoor also visited the Moonidih XVI Seam Longwall Project, where he reviewed mechanised underground mining operations.
The Moonidih project is aimed at supporting a reliable supply of prime coking coal through mechanised and safer underground mining practices.
ENA Fire Project Focuses on Mine Safety and Rehabilitation
Another major component of Kapoor’s visit was the ENA Fire Project in the Kusunda Area, where he reviewed fire management and safety measures.
The review covered scientific and technology-based measures being used to monitor and manage fire-affected areas, including:
- Scientific fire detection
- Thermal monitoring
- Satellite-based monitoring
- Excavation of affected areas
- Phased rehabilitation measures
- Safety of families living in high-risk zones
Kapoor also interacted with families residing in vulnerable areas and discussed their concerns related to safety and rehabilitation.
Revised Jharia Master Plan Under Review
The Revised Jharia Master Plan was another key focus of the two-day programme.
Kapoor is scheduled to visit the Belgaria and Karmatand rehabilitation sites on September 1 and review issues related to the rehabilitation and resettlement of families affected by mining-related risks.
The field visits will be followed by discussions with concerned stakeholders to assess the implementation of the Master Plan and progress of rehabilitation initiatives.
The focus is particularly important for the Jharia coalfield, where mine fires, subsidence and other mining-related risks have made rehabilitation of affected communities a major priority.
Coordination Among BCCL, District Administration and Other Stakeholders
The review meeting brought together senior officials from Coal India, BCCL, Railways, the Ministry of Coal and other departments.
Those attending included:
- B. Sairam, Chairman, Coal India
- Manoj Kumar Agarwal, CMD, BCCL
- Alaknanda Dayal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles
- Alok Kumar Singh, Project Advisor, Ministry of Coal
- BCCL functional directors
- Senior officials from Railways and other departments
Kapoor was accorded a Guard of Honour by the CISF-BCCL unit at the BCCL Guest House in Dhanbad following his arrival.
Operational Growth and Community Rehabilitation in Focus
The two-day programme reflects an integrated approach to the future development of the Jharia coalfield.
While increasing coal production and operational efficiency remain important for BCCL, the visit also placed significant emphasis on:
- Mine safety
- Fire management
- Technological advancement
- Rehabilitation and resettlement
- Welfare of affected communities
- Sustainable utilisation of coal resources
The simultaneous review of major mining projects and the Jharia Master Plan underlines the need to balance coking coal production with safety and rehabilitation requirements in the region.
About Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited engaged primarily in the mining and production of coking coal. Its operations are concentrated in the Jharia coalfield of Jharkhand, one of India’s major coking coal-producing regions. The company plays an important role in supplying coking coal to the country’s steel industry while undertaking initiatives related to mine safety, technology adoption, fire management and rehabilitation of affected communities.
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