Commercial mining won’t hit Coal India, says CMD even as unions plan strike
State-owned mining major Coal India (CIL) said it would continue to be the country’s leading coal producer even after the sector was opened up for private companies.
In a public statement, CIL said commercial coal mining would not adversely impact its production or profitability.
“Key issues that will help improve to stay ahead of the competition include uniform quality of coal, cost efficiency in production and reliable timely delivery schedule, introduction of higher degree of mechanised mining and increased supplies,” said Chairman Pramod Agarwal.
The statement comes at a time when its own labour unions and state governments are protesting against commercial coal mining. CIL trade unions have announced they would go on a three-day strike from July 2 against the Centre’s decision to open the coal sector for private players.
