India’s coal production has seen a notable increase of 5.88% from April 2024 to January 2025, reaching 830.66 million tonnes (MT) compared to 784.51 MT in the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Coal. In January 2025 alone, coal production reached 104.43 MT, reflecting a 4.38% rise from 100.05 MT in January 2024.

The contribution from captive, commercial, and other entities in January 2025 has been particularly strong, with production rising by 31.07% to 19.68 MT, up from 15.01 MT in the same month last year.

Coal dispatch has also seen significant growth, with total dispatches in January 2025 reaching 92.40 MT, a 6.31% increase from 86.92 MT in January 2024. Dispatches from captives and other entities also grew by 29.94%, totalling 17.72 MT compared to 13.64 MT last year. The cumulative coal dispatch for the period up to January 2025 stands at 843.75 MT, reflecting a 5.73% increase from 798.02 MT in the same period last year.

As of January 2025, coal production from captive and commercial mines has surged to 150.25 MT, surpassing last year’s total of 147.12 MT as of January 27, 2025, 64 days ahead of schedule. This represents a 34.05% increase compared to 112.08 MT at the end of January 2024, highlighting the growth and resilience of India’s coal sector.

Similarly, coal dispatch for the financial year 2024-25 has reached 154.61 MT by January 11, 2025, surpassing last year’s total of 142.79 MT. This marks a strong 33.75% rise from 115.57 MT in January 2024, ensuring a stable supply of coal for critical industries like power, steel, and cement.

The Ministry of Coal has also granted permission to open three new mines—Bhaskarpara, Utkal E, and Rajhara North (Central and Eastern). Notably, the Rajhara North mine in Jharkhand, allocated to Fairmine Carbon Pvt. Ltd., is the first commercial coal mine in the region to receive such permission. This development is expected to further boost coal production and the role of commercial mining in the area.