Coal production from India’s captive and commercial coal mines rose by around 42% year-on-year to 22.03 million tonnes (MT) in October 2026, compared with 15.49 MT in the corresponding month last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Coal.
Coal dispatches from these mines also recorded strong growth, increasing by around 36% to 21.11 MT in October 2026 against 15.48 MT in October 2025.
Captive Coal Mines Record Growth in FY27
During April–October FY 2026-27, cumulative coal production from captive and commercial mines increased by 11.30% to 117.23 MT, compared with 105.33 MT in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
Coal dispatches during the seven-month period rose by 11.53% to 124.86 MT from 111.95 MT a year earlier.
The growth reflects improved operational efficiency, higher mining productivity and better utilisation of production capacities across the captive and commercial coal mining sector.
Lohari Mine Receives Opening Permission
In another development, the Lohari coal mine in Jharkhand received Mine Opening Permission in October 2026. The mine had been awaiting operationalisation for several years. The Ministry of Coal said the approval was facilitated by its Ease of Doing Business reforms.
With the addition of Lohari, the number of operational captive and commercial coal mines has increased to 87.
Strengthening Domestic Coal Supply
The growing contribution of captive coal mines is expected to help reduce India’s dependence on imported coal, strengthen domestic supply chains and conserve foreign exchange. It is also expected to support the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by improving domestic coal availability for industrial and energy requirements.
The Ministry of Coal said it will continue to focus on sustaining production growth, addressing supply constraints and improving coal availability through policy interventions, regulatory oversight and coordination with stakeholders.
