Captive, commercial coal mine output rises 42% to 22.03 MT in October

Coal production from captive and commercial mines rose about 42 per cent year-on-year to 22.03 million tonnes (MT) in October 2026, compared with 15.49 MT a year earlier, the Ministry of Coal said on Monday.

Dispatches increased about 36 per cent to 21.11 MT during the month, up from 15.48 MT in October 2025.

During April–October 2026, production reached 117.23 MT, an increase of 11.30 per cent from 105.33 MT in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. Dispatches grew 11.53 per cent to 124.86 MT from 111.95 MT.

The Ministry attributed the growth to improved operational efficiency, higher mining productivity and better utilisation of capacity across the captive and commercial coal mining sector.

The Lohari coal mine in Jharkhand received Mine Opening Permission in October after awaiting operationalisation for several years. The approval took the number of operational captive and commercial coal mines to 87.

The Ministry said the clearance reflected the impact of its ease of doing business reforms.

Higher production from these mines is expected to reduce dependence on imported coal, strengthen supply chains and conserve foreign exchange while supporting domestic industrial requirements.

The Ministry said it would continue to focus on sustaining production growth, addressing supply constraints and improving coal availability through policy measures, regulatory oversight and support from stakeholders.

(PIB)