South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has emerged as the only arm of the coal major to register positive growth across all three key operational parameters—coal production, offtake and overburden removal—during the financial year 2025–26, marking a significant milestone for the company and the sector.

According to official figures, SECL recorded coal production of 176.2 million tonnes, registering a growth of 5.26 per cent over the previous financial year. Coal offtake stood at 178.6 million tonnes, reflecting a growth of 4.6 per cent. Overburden removal reached an all-time high of 364.3 million cubic metres, indicating strengthened operational preparedness and enhanced future coal availability.

The company also reported notable improvements in logistics and evacuation efficiency, with rail despatch increasing by 16 per cent and despatch through First Mile Connectivity systems registering a sharp rise of 28 per cent. In a major push towards expansion, SECL achieved 358 hectares of land acquisition during the year, reflecting an unprecedented growth of 867 per cent over the previous year.

In the area of environmental sustainability, SECL undertook extensive green initiatives, planting nearly 13.96 lakh saplings, including dense plantation under the Miyawaki method. The company commissioned 43.78 megawatt of solar power capacity, resulting in an estimated reduction of 41,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, about 408 lakh kilolitres of mine water was utilised for irrigation, benefiting more than 3,800 hectares of agricultural land.

On the capacity augmentation front, SECL secured environmental clearances for an incremental capacity of 2.16 million tonnes per year, while Terms of Reference approvals were obtained for future capacity addition of 39.02 million tonnes per year. Key projects approved during the year include the Durgapur Opencast Project with a capacity of 10 million tonnes per year and the Amritdhara Underground Project.

The company also reported improvements in coal quality assurance, with grade confirmation rising from 68 per cent to 75 per cent. Its digital monitoring platform ‘DigiCOAL’ received national recognition from the Central Vigilance Commission for enhancing transparency and real-time oversight.

In the area of employment and social inclusion, SECL provided jobs to 511 dependents, marking its highest-ever figure, alongside employment to 754 project-affected persons and recruitment of 42 Mining Sirdars.

Demonstrating strong governance practices, SECL undertook procurement worth ₹25,799 crore through the Government e-Marketplace, achieving a record performance. The company also secured the top position for the third consecutive year under Special Campaign 5.0, reinforcing its commitment to administrative reforms and transparency.

Technological advancement remained a key focus area, with SECL becoming the first coal public sector undertaking in India to implement paste fill technology, aimed at safer and more sustainable underground mining. The company maintained an average loading of 53.2 rakes per day, further strengthening coal evacuation. Ongoing rail corridor projects also contributed to improved logistics infrastructure.

SECL made significant strides in diversification initiatives, including coal gasification, ultra-supercritical thermal power, coal washery development, exploration of critical minerals, rare earth extraction and hydro-based energy solutions, aligning with emerging energy demands.

Under Corporate Social Responsibility, projects worth ₹365.39 crore were approved during the year across sectors such as healthcare, education, environment and livelihood generation. The company also set new benchmarks in gender inclusion by establishing the first all-women dispensary and an all-women central store unit in the coal sector.

Chairman-cum-Managing Director of SECL, Harish Duhan, said that the achievement reflects the collective dedication and resilience of the workforce. He noted that despite operational and geographical challenges, the company has consistently delivered strong performance, contributing significantly to the nation’s energy security, and expressed confidence in sustaining this growth trajectory in the coming years.
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