Overview
- Coal India Limited is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Coal.
- It is the largest coal-producing company in the world.
- Plays a critical role in ensuring India’s energy security, especially for thermal power generation.
Establishment and Background
- Incorporated in 1975 following the nationalisation of coal mines.
- Created to ensure systematic and scientific development of coal resources.
- Headquarters located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Ownership and Status
- Majority owned by the Government of India.
- Listed on Indian stock exchanges.
- Conferred Maharatna status in 2014, granting greater financial and operational autonomy.
Operational Structure
- Operates through seven coal-producing subsidiaries:
- Eastern Coalfields Limited
- Bharat Coking Coal Limited
- Central Coalfields Limited
- Northern Coalfields Limited
- Western Coalfields Limited
- South Eastern Coalfields Limited
- Mahanadi Coalfields Limited
- Also has a mine planning and consultancy subsidiary, Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI).
Functions and Activities
- Exploration and extraction of coking and non-coking coal.
- Supplies coal primarily to power, steel, cement, and fertilizer sectors.
- Undertakes coal beneficiation, mine planning, and related consultancy services.
- Responsible for coal evacuation infrastructure, including rail and conveyor systems.
Production and Contribution
- Accounts for over 80% of India’s domestic coal production.
- Major contributor to India’s electricity generation and industrial fuel supply.
- Plays a central role in reducing coal imports and supporting energy affordability.
Environmental and Social Responsibilities
- Implements mine reclamation and afforestation programmes.
- Engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in mining regions.
- Focuses on land restoration, water management, and community development.
- Aligning operations with sustainable mining practices and emission norms.
Strategic Importance
- Backbone of India’s thermal power sector.
- Critical for achieving energy self-reliance.
- Supports economic growth by ensuring stable fuel supply to core industries.
Challenges
- Environmental concerns related to coal mining and emissions.
- Land acquisition and rehabilitation issues.
- Transition pressures due to India’s long-term shift towards renewable energy.
- Need for technological upgradation and productivity enhancement.
