NLC India strikes black gold! Massive coal reserve win promises energy revolution

NLC India Limited has successfully secured the Machhakata (Revised) Coal Mine in Angul District, Odisha, during the 8th round of commercial coal block e-auctions conducted by the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. This significant acquisition marks the company’s second commercial coal mine win, following the North Dhadu Coal Block (Western Part).

The Machhakata coal mine boasts substantial reserves, estimated at approximately 1.38 billion tonnes of coal, with an operational peak-rated capacity projected at 30 million tonnes per annum. This strategic win aligns with NLC India’s ambitious goal to expand its capacity to over 100 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030, a substantial increase from the current 50 MTPA.

Coal extracted from the Machhakata mine will play a pivotal role in bolstering India’s energy security through indigenous resources. Additionally, it opens avenues for alternative energy production methods from coal, such as gasification, aligning with sustainability goals.

A formal Coal Mine Development and Production Agreement (CMDPA) for the Machhakata (Revised) Coal Mine was executed on July 15, 2024. The ceremony, held at Shastri Bhavan in New Delhi, was attended by key figures including Shri. M. Nagaraju, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority of the Ministry of Coal, Shri. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman & Managing Director of NLC India Limited, Dr. Suresh Chandra Suman, Director (Mines & P&P (AC)) of NLCIL, Shri. Cheruku Dayanand, CGM of NLCIL, along with other officials from NLCIL and the Ministry of Coal.

This acquisition not only highlights NLC India’s commitment to scaling its operations but also underscores the broader national initiative to enhance the self-sufficiency of India’s energy resources.