Last updated on June 28th, 2023 at 04:24 pm
The Ministry of Coal intends to engage reputed Mining Developers cum Operators (MDOs) in coal mines, through open global tenders, and ramp up domestic coal production and reduce import dependency to the extent possible. The contract period of engagement is for 25 years or the life of the mine, whichever is less.
A state-owned coal miner is tracking a total of 15 greenfield projects for implementation through MDOs with an investment component of around Rs.20600 crores. These projects largely pertain to land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement issues, and in some cases railway sidings.
Eleven of the fifteen projects are open-cast mines, and four are underground mines, with a total rated capacity of around 169 million tons. The total capacity of both opencast and underground projects is 165 MT.
The MDOs would excavate and deliver coal to coal companies according to the approved mining plan. MDOs would bring mutually beneficial technology infusion, economically viable operations and increased production to the table.
Allied infrastructure at mine projects would also be developed by these private players since contracts offered to them are on a long-term basis. R&R issues, land acquisition, green clearances, and coordination with State and Central Pollution Boards shall be facilitated by them.
Nine coal projects have been accepted by CIL to be pursued through the engagement of Mine Developer cum operator mode. These projects have a combined production capacity of close to 127 million tons per year. Six projects remain, and they are at different stages of tendering.
