Atmanirbhar Bharat: Two of the World’s Five largest coal mines now in India

Southeastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India based in Chhattisgarh, has achieved a significant milestone with its Gevra and Kusmunda coal mines ranking 2nd and 4th on WorldAtlas.com’s list of the world’s largest coal mines. Located in Korba district, these mines produce over 100 million tons of coal annually, contributing about 10% to India’s total coal production. The Gevra mine, operational since 1981, has a capacity of 70 million tons and produced 59 million tons in FY24. The Kusmunda mine produced over 50 million tons in the same period, making it the second mine in India to reach this level after Gevra. Both mines use advanced mining machines like the “Surface Miner” for eco-friendly operations.

For overburden removal, the mines employ large Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) such as 240-ton dumpers, 42 cubic meter shovels, and Vertical Rippers for blast-free operations. SECL Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Prem Sagar Mishra, expressed pride in Chhattisgarh hosting 2 of the world’s 5 largest coal mines and extended his gratitude to the Coal Ministry, MoEFCC, State Government, Coal India, Railways, various stakeholders, and especially the coal workers for their dedication in achieving this feat.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.