Captive and Commercial Coal Mines Reach 87 as Output Grows

The number of operational captive and commercial coal mines in India has risen to 87, even as output from these mines surged in October, according to the Ministry of Coal.

Production in October reached 22.03 million tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 42 percent from 15.49 million tonnes in October 2025. Supply during the month grew 36 percent to 21.11 MT from 15.48 MT a year earlier.

Over the April to October period, coal production rose 11.30 percent to 117.23 MT, up from 105.33 MT in the previous year. Supply in the same period increased from 111.95 MT to 124.86 MT.

The ministry linked the performance to better operational efficiency, higher mining productivity and fuller use of capacity across captive and commercial coal blocks.

Among the new developments, the Lohari coal mine in Jharkhand has been granted permission to open in October 2026. The mine had been awaiting operational clearance for several years, and the ministry said the approval shows the effect of its measures to make it easier to do business.

India's coal imports, meanwhile, declined in August 2026. Imports fell 5.83 percent to 104.57 MT from 111.05 MT in the same month last year, a reduction of 6.48 MT. The ministry said the decline stems from efforts to boost domestic output and reduce dependence on foreign supplies, along with better local availability.

According to the ministry, higher output from these mines will lower dependence on imported coal, make supply chains more robust and conserve foreign exchange. It will also contribute to the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by increasing self-sufficiency in raw materials needed for industrial development.

The ministry said it will continue to focus on sustaining production growth, addressing supply constraints and improving coal availability. These efforts will be backed by progressive policies, strong regulatory oversight and ongoing cooperation from all stakeholders to meet the country's growing energy and industrial needs.