Bilaspur, India — South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has delivered a standout performance in fiscal year 2025–26, becoming the only arm of the coal major to post positive growth across all three core operational metrics: coal production, offtake, and overburden removal (OBR).
Strong Gains Across Core Operations
SECL reported coal production of 176.2 million tonnes, marking a 5.26% increase (8.8 MT) over the previous fiscal year. Coal offtake reached 178.6 million tonnes, reflecting a 4.6% growth (7.9 MT).
The company also recorded significant improvements in logistics and evacuation:
- Rail dispatch rose by 16%
- Dispatch through First Mile Connectivity (FMC) surged by 28%
Overburden removal hit a record 364.3 million cubic meters, the highest in the company’s history, ensuring stronger readiness for future coal extraction. Additionally, SECL achieved a major milestone in land acquisition, securing 358 hectares, representing an 867% increase year-over-year.
Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives
SECL continued to strengthen its environmental footprint through large-scale initiatives:
- 1.396 million saplings planted, including dense Miyawaki plantations
- Commissioning of 43.78 MW of solar capacity, reducing approximately 41,200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions
- Utilization of 408 million kiloliters of mine water, supporting irrigation across more than 3,800 hectares
Expansion and Future Capacity
The company secured environmental clearances for 2.16 million tonnes per year (MTY) of additional capacity, while Terms of Reference approvals paved the way for 39.02 MTY of future expansion.
Key projects include:
- Durgapur Opencast Project (10 MTY)
- Amritdhara Underground Project
Quality, Transparency, and Digital Innovation
Coal quality assurance improved significantly, with grade confirmation rising from 68% to 75%. SECL’s digital platform “DigiCOAL” enhanced real-time monitoring and operational transparency, earning recognition from the Central Vigilance Commission.
Employment and Inclusion
SECL made notable strides in employment generation:
- 511 dependents provided jobs (highest ever, 24% growth)
- 754 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) employed
- Recruitment of 42 Mining Sirdars
Governance and Procurement Excellence
The company achieved record procurement of ₹25,799 crore through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). SECL also secured the top position for the third consecutive year in Special Campaign 5.0, reflecting its commitment to transparency and governance.
Technology and Infrastructure Advancements
In a major technological breakthrough, SECL became the first coal PSU in India to implement paste fill technology, improving safety and sustainability in underground mining.
Operational efficiency also improved, with average loading reaching 53.2 rakes per day, supported by expanding rail corridor infrastructure.
Diversification for Future Energy Needs
SECL is actively diversifying into emerging energy and resource sectors, including:
- Coal gasification
- Ultra-supercritical thermal power
- Coal washeries
- Critical minerals exploration
- Rare earth extraction
- Hydro-based energy solutions
Corporate Social Responsibility and Women Empowerment
In FY 2025–26, SECL approved ₹365.39 crore in CSR projects across healthcare, education, environment, and livelihood development.
The company also set industry benchmarks in gender inclusion by establishing:
- The first all-women dispensary
- The first all-women central store unit in the coal sector
Leadership Perspective
Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of SECL, credited the company’s success to its workforce:
“This achievement is the result of the dedication, hard work, and team spirit of every employee. Despite operational and geographical challenges, our team has consistently delivered strong results. This success reflects our commitment to supporting the nation’s energy security, and I am confident we will continue to reach new milestones.”