Coal production from captive mines in the first two months of the ongoing fiscal have increased by 2.3% year-on-year to 4.12 million tonnes (MT) from the corresponding period in FY19. However, as many as 13 of the 29 allocated blocks remain stranded due to local agitations, lack of clearances from the appropriate authorities, inadequate transportation infrastructure and conflicts with mining contractors. Output has increased in 12 coal blocks, which includes three mines which were not producing any coal in April-May 2018.
The 29 coal blocks comprise 13 auctioned and 16 allotted mines to government companies. Production in four captive coal mines—allocated to Hindalco Industries, Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam (two blocks), Jaiprakash Power Ventures and NTPC — have actually dipped in these two months.
