The coal sector in India has witnessed remarkable growth in recent months, with captive and commercial mines achieving record coal production in December 2024. The production of 18.40 million tonnes in that month marked a significant increase from previous records, with a daily average production of 0.594 million tonnes. This represents a 30.75% increase compared to December 2023.
In the first three quarters of the fiscal year 2024-25, the cumulative production by captive and commercial mines saw a substantial growth of over 34% year-on-year, reaching 131.05 million tonnes. Additionally, the dispatch of coal from these mines reached an all-time high of 17.67 million tonnes in December 2024, representing a 33.20% increase from the previous year.
The cumulative coal production and dispatch between April and December 2024 also showed significant growth, with production reaching 726.29 million tonnes and dispatch reaching 750.75 million tonnes. Overall, the coal sector reported a growth rate of 7.5% in November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with the coal industry index showing the highest growth among the eight core industries.
The surge in coal production during April-November 2024 has been a key driver behind the sector’s growth, with output reaching 628.4 million tonnes, a 6.4% increase compared to the previous year. These impressive figures highlight the sector’s resilience and potential for further growth in the coming months.
Overall, the coal sector in India is showing positive signs of growth and development, with record production levels and increasing dispatches from captive and commercial mines. This bodes well for the country’s energy security and economic growth, making coal an essential component of India’s energy landscape.