From 50 MT to 87.5 MT: How CCL Transformed India’s Coal Mining story since 2014
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Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited operating across the coalfields of Jharkhand, has undergone a major transformation over the past decade. Since 2014, the company has expanded its mining capacity, modernised coal evacuation, adopted new technologies, increased renewable-energy use and strengthened its focus on environmental and social development.
The company is developing five new coking coal washeries with a combined capacity of 14.50 MTY. The initiative is aimed at improving the availability of quality washed coking coal and contributing to import substitution.
At the same time, CCL is increasing its use of renewable energy. The company currently has more than 32 MW of installed solar capacity, including three ground-mounted projects with a combined capacity of 29 MW. A 100 MW solar power project with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is also being developed in Giridih district.
The Khelgaon Sports Academy in Ranchi, developed through a partnership between CCL and the Government of Jharkhand, has also provided young athletes with opportunities in sports, education and life skills. Athletes from the academy have won national and international medals, and the initiative has received the National CSR Award twice.
As India balances energy security with environmental responsibility and inclusive development, CCL's experience illustrates how a coal enterprise can modernise its operations while expanding its contribution to infrastructure, technology, sustainability and society.
From 50 MT to 87.5 MT of Coal Production
One of the clearest indicators of CCL’s transformation is its production growth. The company produced around 50 million tonnes (MT) of coal in FY 2013-14. By FY 2024-25, production had increased to a record 87.5 MT, representing nearly 75% growth over the period.
The rise has been supported by new mining projects and expansion of existing mines. Major projects developed during this period include Amrapali (35 MTY), Magadh (51 MTY), Chandragupta OCP (15 MTY) and Kotre Basantpur Pachmo (5 MTY). Existing mines, including Karo, Konar and North Urimari, have also seen capacity expansion.
Building Infrastructure to Move More Coal
Higher production requires efficient transportation. CCL has therefore invested in railway connectivity, Coal Handling Plants (CHPs), silos, rapid loading systems and First Mile Connectivity projects.
The Tori-Shivpur rail corridor, an important link for the North Karanpura coalfields, has been strengthened as a three-line corridor with the capacity to transport around 100 MT of coal annually.
The 7.5 MTY North Urimari CHP has already been commissioned, while major projects are being developed at Konar, KDH-Purnadih, Amrapali, Karo and Magadh. These facilities are intended to improve loading efficiency, reduce dependence on road transportation and support direct rail evacuation.
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Focus on Domestic Coking Coal
CCL is also working to increase domestic availability of coking coal, which is important for India's steel industry and currently has a significant import dependence.
Technology and Renewable Energy
Technology has become another important part of CCL's transformation. The company has established an AI-enabled Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) to strengthen security, surveillance and operational monitoring across its mining areas.
Moving Towards Sustainable Mining
CCL has also increased the use of blast-free mining technologies such as surface miners and continuous miners. Their contribution, which was zero before 2014, has now reached nearly 70%.
The company has also undertaken measures such as overburden dump restoration, rainwater harvesting, plantation and mine reclamation. Surplus mine water is being utilised for the benefit of local communities, turning a mining-related resource into a community asset.
Stronger Finances, Wider Social Impact
CCL's transformation has also been reflected in its financial performance. Profit After Tax increased from ₹808 crore in FY 2017-18 to ₹4,035 crore in FY 2024-25, while net worth rose from ₹3,816 crore to ₹16,464 crore during the same period.
Its social initiatives have expanded alongside its operational growth. In FY 2025-26, CCL reported CSR expenditure of around ₹86 crore, against a target of about ₹74 crore.
One of its flagship initiatives, CCL Ke Lal & CCL Ki Laadli, provides free residential schooling and engineering entrance coaching to talented students from underprivileged backgrounds. Around 40 students, including 20 boys and 20 girls, are selected every year, with beneficiaries going on to institutions such as IITs and NITs.
Beyond Coal Production
CCL's journey since 2014 reflects a broader transformation of a traditional mining company. Its progress is not limited to increasing coal production from 50 MT to 87.5 MT. It also includes new mines, stronger rail infrastructure, mechanised evacuation, AI-based monitoring, renewable energy, sustainable mining practices, improved financial performance and investments in communities.