Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd (CIL), is preparing to launch operations in two new coal mines located in the Talcher coalfields of Odisha’s Angul district. The combined coal reserve of these two projects is estimated at 35 million tonnes (MT), according to a senior company official.
“We plan to commence operations at the Subhadra coal mine, which has a reserve of 25 million tonnes, by the end of the 2025-26 financial year,” said Uday A Kaole, Chairman and Managing Director of MCL, during a recent media briefing.
The second mine, Balabhadra, with reserves of 10 million tonnes, is scheduled to become operational by the end of 2029-30. Currently, MCL operates 18 coal mines across Odisha’s Angul, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda districts, comprising three underground and 15 open-cast mines. In Angul district alone, MCL has seven operational sites, including Jagannath, Bhubaneswari, Bharatpur, Hingula, Lingaraj, Kaniha, and the Talcher underground mine. The addition of Subhadra and Balabhadra will expand its presence further in the region.
To enhance transparency in its operations, MCL has installed CCTV coverage in 98% of its mining areas, with the remaining 2% expected to be completed shortly. Additionally, the company is using GPS-enabled systems to monitor coal transportation in real time.
MCL currently holds a coal reserve of 35 million tonnes, ensuring a stable supply for power generation needs. During the 2024-25 financial year, the company recorded a coal production of 225 million tonnes, marking a 9% increase over the previous year. Coal dispatch stood at 210 million tonnes, reflecting a 6% rise.
“Nearly 98% of our total coal output comes from surface mining, which is among the highest for any company in the country,” Mr Kaole said. Looking ahead, MCL is working toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by the 2029 financial year. The company plans to invest around ₹17,900 crore in renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and pumped storage power initiatives across the state. MCL has set a coal production target of 239 million tonnes for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with plans to scale up to 300 million tonnes annually by 2029-30.
Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd (CIL), is one of the largest coal-producing companies in India, playing a pivotal role in meeting the country’s growing energy demands. Based in the coal-rich region of Odisha, MCL operates a wide range of open-cast and underground mines across the Angul, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda districts.
Known for its efficient and eco-friendly mining practices, MCL has consistently focused on advancing its operations with an emphasis on sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of coal production. The company is committed to modernizing its mining infrastructure and increasing production capacity while also contributing to the development of renewable energy projects.
With ambitious plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2029, MCL is not only dedicated to maintaining coal supply for power generation but also investing heavily in clean energy technologies. Through its continued growth and innovation, MCL aims to be a key player in India’s energy sector, balancing the need for coal with the transition to a greener energy future.
