New Delhi: Dr Anjani Kumar has assumed charge as Director (Technical – Projects & Planning) of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) on September 28, 2026. He joins WCL with more than three decades of experience in Coal India Limited (CIL) across mining operations, project planning, vigilance, contract management and corporate management.
Prior to his appointment at WCL, Dr Kumar was serving as Executive Director (Contracts) at CIL Headquarters in Kolkata, a position he had held since October 2025.
Dr Anjani Kumar’s Experience in Coal India
Dr Kumar brings over 33 years of professional experience with Coal India Limited. He began his career with CIL in April 1993 and has since held several important positions across the coal sector.
His professional experience includes:
- Mining operations and project planning
- Contract management
- Vigilance-related responsibilities
- Corporate management
- Projects and Planning functions
During his career, Dr Kumar served in various key positions at Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), including as Technical Secretary to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director.
He subsequently headed the Projects & Planning Department at Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL).
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Dr Anjani Kumar’s Educational Qualifications
Dr Kumar has a strong academic and professional background in mining, environmental science, human resources and project management.
His qualifications include:
- B.Tech. in Mining Engineering
- Ph.D. in Environmental Science from IIT (ISM), Dhanbad
- First Class Mines Manager’s Certificate of Competency issued by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS)
- MBA in Human Resources from Sikkim Manipal University
- Executive Diploma in Project Management from the International Institute of Program and Project Management
His combination of technical qualifications and extensive industry experience adds to his expertise in managing mining projects and planning activities.
Dr Kumar’s Previous Role at CIL Headquarters
Before taking charge at WCL, Dr Anjani Kumar served as Executive Director (Contracts) at Coal India Limited Headquarters, Kolkata, from October 2025.
In this role, he was associated with contract management at the CIL corporate level, further adding to his experience in managing key commercial and operational functions within the coal sector.
WCL Leadership Welcomes Dr Anjani Kumar
Following his appointment, CMD WCL Dr Hemant Sharad Pande, Director (Finance) Bikram Ghosh and Director Technical Sandeep Paranjape welcomed Dr Anjani Kumar.
The WCL leadership congratulated him and extended their best wishes for his new responsibility as Director (Technical – Projects & Planning).
About Western Coalfields Limited
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited engaged in coal mining and production. The company operates coal mines primarily across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and plays an important role in meeting the coal requirements of the power and industrial sectors.
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