The State-run Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), one of the country’s major coal producing companies, has entered the 2023 on a high note breaking all previous records of performance to finish the financial year 2022-23.

According to an official statement, the Company has emerged as top coal producer in the country and continues to lead in its segment after producing 168 million tonne coal last year and recording new highs in all the three parameters, registering a growth of 17.5% in coal production (137 MT), 10.6% in off-take (143 MT) and 20.67% in overburden removal (168 MCuM).

MCL obtained the Environment Clearance (EC) limit enhancement at Lakhanpur OCP (21 MT to 22.5 MT) and Kulda OCP (19.6 MT to 21MT), thus setting ground for maximizing coal production during the current financial year.

Under MDO (mine developer and operator) mode, the MCL started work on its first mega project Siarmal (50 MTPA) in the Sundergarh district, while Subhadra MDO of 25 MTPA in the Angul district is also advancing towards coal production.

The MCL has been a pioneer in introducing new technologies in the coal mining sector. It procured Bucket crusher (Model: HD 3200, Volume Capacity: 6.5 cum, Crushing capacity: 200 T/hr., Cost: 2 Cr. (approx.) for Balaram OCP for crushing of coal to -100 mm size at coal face/conventional coal stock, so that directly despatchable coal is sent to railway siding.

The number of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects, which hold a key to ensuring speedy transportation of coal to consumers with minimum dust pollution, has gone up to 3 Nos. with a capacity of 46 MTPA.

The company aims at having 7 more FMC projects, taking the total to 10, by the end of the year 2023, with capacity of 146 MT coal per annum through eco-friendly rail mode. MCL aims at achieving a total of 351 MTPA coal evacuation capacity through its FMC projects by 2029.

In a major achievement, the long-pending Angul-Balram rail link project also started functioning on November 22 which will facilitate the bidirectional flow of 10 additional rakes in the Talcher circuit and result in the incremental evacuation of about 40,000 tonnes of coal.

Resettlement benefits were provided to 1,313 Project Displaced Families (PDFs). The MCL had sanctioned compensation of Rs 47 crore during the year 2022. 578 project affected families (PAFs) were provided regular employment in MCL or annuity in lieu of employment or one-time cash compensation as per R&R policy.

During the year 2022, MCL supplied 162 LKL water from the mines. It was used in irrigation of 53 Acres of land, benefiting 1.5 lakh villagers.
The MCL covered 183 Ha of land by plantation during the year 2022. It included 63 Ha land within lease and 119 outside lease. It took several initiatives under corporate social responsibility (CSR) to bring a positive change in the life of people living in and around coalfields.

The company has signed an MoU with Jharsuguda District Administration for construction of 100 bedded “MCL Cardiac Care Centre” at an estimated cost of Rs. 103 Cr.

Similarly, to improve the existing infrastructure at 66 government schools, MCL also entered into an agreement with the Odisha Government for Mo School Abhiyan Parichalana Sangathan of Odisha Government.

The company has also signed an MoU with District Administration, Sambalpur for development of Mobile App to track High Risk Pregnant Women (HRPW) and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) children of Sambalpur District.

Three pacts have been signed with the Sambalpur district administration to strengthen sanitation facilities & improve the aesthetic view of the Sambalpur Municipality area with a value of Rs 3.57 crore.