Coal production target stands at around 1,100 million tons next year: Govt

New Coal Policy: The coal production target stands at around 1,100 million tons next year, M Nagaraju, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, announced today at a workshop organised by FICCI on 'Coal Matrix for Indian Metals Industry'.

Highlighting the sector's growth, Mr. Nagaraju noted a robust increase in coal production, reaching nearly 1 billion tons last year with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11 per cent over the past two years. "Next year, our production target stands at around 1100 million tons," he added. 
He emphasised the government's commitment to further boosting production under the newly launched coking coal mission, aiming for 140 million tons by 2030.

Addressing the steel sector's needs, Nagaraju revealed plans to establish eight coking coal washery plants aimed at reducing import dependency. "Our policy will prioritise the use of washed coking coal, blending it with imported coal to meet industry demands," he stated, underscoring the imminent finalisation of this strategic policy initiative.

Nagaraju also stressed the importance of coal gasification in India's energy strategy, noting a dedicated government scheme with Rs 8,500 crores to support setting up coal gasification plants across the country. He highlighted the potential for diversification and emphasised the government's commitment to reducing reliance on imported coal.

Avinash Kumar Mishra, Executive Director (Coal) of the Railway Board, highlighted plans for specialised wagons to transport coal gasification products, anticipating a reduction in India's dependence on imported coal with increased domestic production.

Ashwini Kumar, Economic Adviser at the Ministry of Steel, reiterated the steel industry's integral role in India's economy, emphasising the need for indigenous coal gasification technologies to sustain growth amid global steel industry challenges.