Coal news and updates

Rajmahal and Sonpur Bazaari expansion to raise ECL output by 8.5 mt

July 3: Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) has applied to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) for the expansion of its Rajmahal and Sonpur Bazaari projects, which would help raise its output by at least 8.5 million tons (mt), a top company official told ICMW.

“We…have applied for 25% more production at Rajmahal, i.e. incremental increase of 4.25 mt. In addition, we are going to apply for increased production of 4.00 mt at Sonpur Bazaari. In fact, wherever possibilities are there, we are applying for EC clearances. As soon as we get it, we will take up production,” ECL chairman-cum-managing director Rakesh Sinha said.
The existing clearance for Sonepurbazari and Rajmahal are 8.0 mtpa and 17.00 mtpa, respectively.

As per the suggestions of MoEF, for coal projects with mining capacity of up to 8.00 mtpa , 50% enhancement can be allowed through the automatic approval route, while for projects above 8.0 mtpa capacity, such enhancement should be limited to a maximum of 25% of the EC.

Since Rajmahal has EC for 17.00 mtpa, its production can be increased by 25% i.e. 4.25 mtpa. This increase in production can be allowed without further public hearing and other regulations.

Sinha said, in addition they have applied for Forest Clearance for taking up mining at Chuperbita and Gorasaria mines, which have advanced to some extent.