Bilaspur : South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), the flagship subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has delivered its best-ever first-quarter operational performance in Q1 FY2026-27, setting new records in coal production, coal offtake, and overburden removal (OBR). The outstanding performance highlights the company’s continued focus on operational efficiency, mechanization, sustainable mining, and underground mining expansion.
During the April–June 2026 quarter, SECL produced a record 44.10 million tonnes (MT) of coal, registering a 7.19% year-on-year (YoY) increase compared to the same period last year. The company also achieved its highest-ever quarterly coal offtake of 48.79 MT, reflecting a 5.29% YoY growth.
Another significant achievement came in overburden removal (OBR), which reached 99.36 million cubic metres (MCuM) during the quarter, representing a 5.62% increase over Q1 FY2025-26. Strong OBR performance is considered essential for maintaining higher production levels in future quarters.
Record Monthly Performance in June 2026
June 2026 proved to be the strongest month in SECL’s history. The company recorded its highest-ever monthly coal production and offtake, while OBR touched an all-time record of 34.05 MCuM. This exceeded the monthly target by nearly 10% and marked a 17.3% increase compared to June 2025, providing a solid operational base for the remainder of the financial year.
First Mile Connectivity (FMC) Drives Sustainable Coal Transportation
SECL continued to expand its First Mile Connectivity (FMC) infrastructure, enabling faster and environmentally friendly coal evacuation. During Q1 FY27, the company dispatched 19.58 MT of coal through FMC systems, recording a robust 19.7% YoY growth.
The increasing use of silo-based, dust-free loading systems aligns with Coal India Limited’s vision of promoting cleaner, faster, and more sustainable coal transportation.
Power Sector Remains the Largest Consumer
The power sector remained the primary contributor to coal demand. During the first quarter, SECL supplied 37.79 MT of coal to power utilities, representing a 5.4% YoY increase. The higher supplies played a crucial role in supporting India’s electricity demand during the peak summer and the early monsoon period.
Underground Mining Registers Strong Growth
SECL also delivered an impressive performance in underground coal mining, with production rising 23.35% YoY to 3.17 MT. This marks the company’s highest first-quarter underground production in the last six years, reflecting continued investments in modern mining technologies, improved operational practices, and enhanced productivity.
CMD Highlights Operational Excellence
Commenting on the achievement, Shri Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), SECL, said the company has achieved its best-ever first-quarter performance across all key operational parameters due to the dedication of its workforce and its unwavering focus on operational excellence.
He emphasized that the strong growth in FMC-based coal loading demonstrates SECL’s commitment to efficient and sustainable mining. He also stated that the company has already implemented comprehensive monsoon preparedness measures across all mining operations to ensure uninterrupted coal production and supplies, thereby supporting the nation’s energy security.
Strong Start to FY27
With record-breaking achievements in coal production, coal dispatch, OBR, FMC-based evacuation, and underground mining, SECL has made a strong start to FY2026-27. The company’s robust first-quarter performance is expected to significantly contribute to Coal India Limited’s annual production and offtake targets while reinforcing SECL’s position as one of India’s leading coal producers.
