The directorate general of mines safety (DGMS) is in discussions with captive and commercial coal block operators on mine safety with production expected to be ramped up to over 200 million tonnes (mt) from these sources by FY26.

According to coal ministry data, total production from captive sources was 153.57mt in 2023-24, a 25 per cent year on year growth from 94.7mt in 2022-23.

As of 30th June, 2024, 54 captive/commercial coal mines are under production out of which 32 mines are allocated to the power sector, 12 to non-regulated sector and 10 mines are allocated for sale of coal. Eleven mines are expected to commence coal production in 2024-25.

"We are seeing more captive and commercial mines /coming into production every year. So we are having conversation and consultation with the mine operators so that they understand the rules and regulations that have to be followed for mine safety," said Prabhat Kumar, director general, DGMS, on the sidelines of mine safety awards in the city on Sunday.

The data made available by the coal ministry in Lok Sabha shows the number of fatal accidents in coal mines has reduced from 51 in 2019 to 37 in 2023 while serious accidents are also on a declining trend from 193 in 2019 to 112 in 2023.

The coal ministry has highlighted several steps such as preparation and implementation of site specific risk assessment-based safety management plans (SMPs), principal hazards management plans (PHMPs), formulation and compliance of site-specific risk assessment-based standard operating procedures (SOPs), conducting safety audit of mines among the steps to bring down the number of accidents in coal mines.

Lithium interest

Coal India chairman P.M. Prasad on Sunday said that the public sector miner is interested in acquiring lithium blocks in the strategic mineral auctions.

"We have taken one block in graphite. We are interested in lithium," said Prasad.

"Facing the challenges of a rapidly evolving global energy landscape, we are diversifying into the emerging battery materials sectors —lithium, nickel, cobalt and graphite. Leveraging our mining expertise, operational footprint and financial resources, we aim to capitalise on these opportunities and establish ourselves in the battery materials value chain, offering new revenue streams and enhancing long-term resilience and competitiveness," Coal India has said in its annual report.