Dhanbad, September 1, 2026: Advisor to the Prime Minister Shri Tarun Kapoor reviewed the key operations, projects, technological initiatives and future growth plans of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) during a high-level meeting at Koyla Bhawan, the company’s headquarters in Dhanbad.
The review was held on the first day of Kapoor’s two-day official visit to Dhanbad and other important locations in the region from August 31 to September 1, 2026.
The meeting covered BCCL’s production performance, mining technologies, safety measures, coal reserves, future capacity expansion and rehabilitation initiatives, with particular emphasis on strengthening India’s coking coal availability.
BCCL’s Production and Future Growth Plans Reviewed
During the meeting, BCCL officials presented an overview of the company’s operational performance, achievements, challenges and future action plans.
The review covered key indicators including coal production and offtake, coal reserves, operational capacity and production potential. Performance of both underground and opencast mines over the past five years was also examined.
Officials discussed production targets extending up to 2030-31, along with plans aimed at increasing production capacity and improving operational efficiency over the coming years.
Overburden removal performance and the potential of BCCL’s existing mining assets were also part of the review.
Focus on Advanced Mining Technologies
Technology adoption emerged as an important component of the discussions.
BCCL is currently deploying technologies such as Longwall Mining and Highwall Mining, while plans are also being explored to expand the use of advanced equipment and systems, including Surface Miners and Continuous Miners.
The adoption of mechanised and modern mining technologies is aimed at improving productivity, operational efficiency and safety while supporting the company’s long-term production objectives.
Restructuring of Jharia Coalfield Blocks
The meeting also examined the restructuring of opencast blocks in the Jharia Coalfield.
Plans for redevelopment of discontinued mines through the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO)/Revenue Sharing model were also discussed.
The performance and future plans of BCCL’s washeries were reviewed, including proposals to expand washing capacity and improve coal quality.
These initiatives are significant for enhancing the value and usability of domestic coal resources, particularly for industries requiring quality coking coal.
Tarun Kapoor Stresses Coking Coal Security
Shri Tarun Kapoor highlighted BCCL’s strategic importance in meeting India’s coking coal requirements.
He called for the scientific and optimal utilisation of available coal resources, while emphasising capacity enhancement and improved operational efficiency.
The focus, he said, should be on supporting sustainable growth and profitability while ensuring that India’s domestic coking coal resources are utilised effectively.
Kapoor also interacted with BCCL’s Area General Managers to understand operational and administrative challenges at the field level and review measures being taken to address them.
Inspection of CBM Block-I Project at Moonidih
Following the review meeting, Shri Tarun Kapoor visited the Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Block-I Project at Moonidih.
During the inspection, officials briefed him about CBM gas extraction technology, the progress achieved so far and plans for implementing the project.
CBM represents an important avenue for extracting energy resources associated with coal-bearing formations. Its development can also contribute to the diversification of energy production from mining areas.
Moonidih Longwall Project Inspected
Kapoor also inspected the Moonidih XVI Seam Longwall Project, focusing on mechanised underground mining operations.
Officials explained the role of the project in maintaining a reliable supply of prime coking coal.
The use of mechanised underground mining is being pursued as part of efforts to support safer and more sustainable mining operations while making productive use of underground coal reserves.
ENA Fire Project in Kusunda Reviewed
Another important part of the visit was the inspection of the ENA Fire Project in Kusunda Area.
Kapoor reviewed fire management measures, safety arrangements and activities being undertaken to address the affected areas.
The project incorporates measures such as scientific fire detection, thermal monitoring, satellite-based monitoring, excavation and phased rehabilitation.
These interventions are aimed at managing fire-related risks and supporting the rehabilitation of areas affected by mining-related challenges.
Interaction with Families from High-Risk Areas
During his visit to Kusunda, Kapoor also interacted with families living in high-risk areas.
Discussions focused on issues concerning their safety and rehabilitation.
The interaction provided an opportunity to understand concerns of affected families directly and review the measures being undertaken for their relocation and rehabilitation.
Revised Jharia Master Plan to Be Reviewed
On September 1, Shri Tarun Kapoor is scheduled to visit the Belgaria and Karmatand rehabilitation sites.
He is also scheduled to review matters related to the Revised Jharia Master Plan with the concerned stakeholders.
The rehabilitation component is particularly significant in the Jharia region, where coal mining, land subsidence, mine fires and associated safety concerns have created long-term challenges for communities.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
The high-level meeting was attended by senior officials from Coal India Limited, BCCL, the Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Textiles, Railways and other departments.
Those present included Coal India Limited Chairman B. Sairam, BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles Alaknanda Dayal, Project Advisor, Ministry of Coal Alok Kumar Singh, and senior BCCL directors and officials.
Area General Managers, headquarters-level General Managers and Heads of Departments also participated in the review.
Strengthening India’s Domestic Coking Coal Supply
The review comes amid continued efforts to strengthen domestic coal production and reduce dependence on imported coking coal.
BCCL, as a major producer of coking coal, has an important role in supporting the raw material requirements of India’s steel industry.
Greater use of modern mining technologies, expansion of production capacity, improved coal quality and better utilisation of existing resources could help strengthen the domestic coking coal ecosystem.
Conclusion
Advisor to the Prime Minister Tarun Kapoor’s review of BCCL’s operations and projects in Dhanbad brought production, technology, safety, coal quality and rehabilitation issues into focus.
From the CBM Block-I and Moonidih Longwall Project to the ENA Fire Project and Jharia rehabilitation initiatives, the visit covered several critical areas linked to the future of coal mining in the region.
The emphasis on scientific resource utilisation, modern mining technologies, capacity enhancement and community safety reflects the broader objective of strengthening India’s domestic coking coal supply while improving operational efficiency and addressing the challenges faced by communities in mining-affected areas.
