New Delhi: Captive and commercial coal mines recorded strong growth in production and dispatches in October 2026, reflecting an increase in mining activity and operational capacity.
Coal production during the month reached 22.03 million tonnes (MT), compared with 15.49 MT in October 2025, registering a year-on-year growth of around 42%. Coal dispatches also rose about 36% to 21.11 MT from 15.48 MT in the corresponding month last year.
Production and Dispatch Growth in FY27
The sector maintained its growth momentum during the first seven months of FY 2026–27. Between April and October, cumulative coal production increased to 117.23 MT from 105.33 MT in the corresponding period of the previous financial year, registering growth of 11.30%.
Coal dispatches during the same period rose to 124.86 MT from 111.95 MT, marking an increase of 11.53%.
The growth reflects improved mining productivity, better utilisation of available capacities and progress in operational efficiency across captive and commercial coal mines.
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 approval, facilitated by the Ministry of Coal’s Ease of Doing Business reforms, has taken the total number of operational captive and commercial coal mines to 87.
The increase in domestic coal production is expected to help reduce dependence on imports, strengthen supply-chain resilience and save foreign exchange. It also supports the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by improving self-sufficiency in a key industrial raw material.
The Ministry of Coal will continue to focus on increasing production, addressing supply constraints and improving coal availability through policy measures, regulatory oversight and coordination with stakeholders. These efforts are aimed at meeting the country's growing energy and industrial requirements.
