Advisor to PM Reviews BCCL Operations and Strategic Initiatives
Shri Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister, conducted a comprehensive two-day review of Bharat Coking Coal Limited's (BCCL) operations and projects during his official visit to Dhanbad from 31 August to 1 September 2026. The high-level review meeting at Koyla Bhawan was attended by Chairman of Coal India Limited Shri B. Sairam, BCCL CMD Shri Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Joint Secretary from Ministry of Textiles Smt. Alaknanda Dayal, Project Advisor from Ministry of Coal Shri Alok Kumar Singh, and all BCCL directors along with senior officials from Railways and area general managers.
Operational Performance and Future Targets
During the meeting, CMD BCCL Shri Manoj Kumar Agarwal presented the company's major operational activities, key achievements, challenges, and future action plans. Director (Technical/Operations) Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh detailed BCCL's operational performance, strategic initiatives, and future plans through a comprehensive presentation. The review covered key operational indicators including coal production and offtake, coal reserves, operational capacity, and production targets extending up to 2030-31. The performance of both underground (UG) and opencast (OC) mines along with overburden removal (OBR) during the past five years was thoroughly assessed, along with the company's production potential and plans for the next five years.
Technological Initiatives and Mining Methods
The meeting reviewed mining technologies currently deployed by BCCL, specifically Longwall Mining and Highwall Mining, with plans to expand the use of advanced technologies including Surface Miners and Continuous Miners. The restructuring of opencast blocks in the Jharia Coalfield and plans for redevelopment of discontinued mines through the MDO/Revenue Sharing model were highlighted. Washery performance, plans for washing capacity expansion, and initiatives for improving coal quality were also reviewed.
Site Inspections and Project Reviews
Shri Kapoor inspected the Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Block-I Project where he was briefed on CBM gas extraction technology, project progress, and implementation plans. He also inspected the Moonidih XVI Seam Longwall Project, focusing on mechanized underground mining operations and their role in ensuring steady supply of prime coking coal through safer and more sustainable mining practices. The ENA Fire Project in Kusunda Area was reviewed for fire management measures, safety arrangements, scientific fire detection, thermal and satellite-based monitoring, excavation, and phased rehabilitation of affected areas.
Strategic Emphasis and Community Engagement
Shri Kapoor emphasized BCCL's strategic role in meeting India's coking coal requirements and called for scientific and optimal utilization of available resources with focus on capacity enhancement and improved operational efficiency to support sustainable growth and profitability. He interacted with BCCL's Area General Managers to understand key operational and administrative challenges, their underlying causes, and mitigation measures. During the Kusunda Area visit, he also interacted with families from high-risk areas regarding their safety and rehabilitation concerns. The visit schedule included further review of Belgaria and Karmatand rehabilitation sites and matters relating to the Revised Jharia Master Plan with concerned stakeholders on September 1, 2026.