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 visit to Dhanbad from 31 August to 1 September 2026. The review meeting at Koyla Bhawan covered BCCL's major operational activities, key projects, technological initiatives, safety measures, and future action plans up to 2030-31.
BCCL's management presented detailed operational performance indicators including coal production and offtake statistics, coal reserves assessment, operational capacity metrics, and production targets for the next five years. The review specifically examined the performance of underground (UG) and opencast (OC) mines along with overburden removal (OBR) activities over the past five years. The company's production potential and expansion plans through 2030-31 were discussed in detail.
Technological deployment formed a significant part of the review, with current mining technologies including Longwall Mining and Highwall Mining being assessed. Plans for expanding advanced technology adoption such as Surface Miners and Continuous Miners were presented. The meeting also covered restructuring of opencast blocks in the Jharia Coalfield and redevelopment plans for discontinued mines through the MDO/Revenue Sharing model.
Washery performance metrics were reviewed along with specific plans for expanding washing capacity and initiatives for improving coal quality. Shri Kapoor emphasized BCCL's strategic role in meeting India's coking coal requirements and stressed the need for scientific and optimal utilization of available resources with focus on capacity enhancement and improved operational efficiency.
The Advisor conducted physical inspections of key projects including the Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Block-I Project where he was briefed on CBM gas extraction technology and project implementation progress. 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 mining practices.
At the ENA Fire Project in Kusunda Area, fire management measures were reviewed including scientific fire detection systems, thermal and satellite-based monitoring, excavation procedures, and phased rehabilitation of affected areas. Shri Kapoor interacted with families from high-risk areas to discuss safety and rehabilitation issues, with scheduled visits to Belgaria and Karmatand rehabilitation sites to review matters relating to the Revised Jharia Master Plan.