Sanctoria ,Asansol, West Bengal, Sep 05: Eastern Coalfields Limited is charting a renewed path of operational and financial recovery, with a long-term vision of achieving 81 million tonnes of coal production by 2034–35. The roadmap and the company’s performance during the current financial year were outlined by Shri Satish Jha, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, ECL, during a press meet organised at the company’s Headquarters at Sanctoria.
Addressing media representatives, Shri Jha discussed ECL’s immediate priorities and long-term growth strategy, while also responding to a wide range of questions relating to coal production, profitability, mine performance, rehabilitation and resettlement, electricity losses, mine closure and sustainable mining practices.
Highlighting ECL’s recent performance, Shri Jha noted that the company had recorded its highest-ever coal production of 52.085 MT during FY 2025–26, despite facing significant financial challenges. He explained the factors that contributed to the company’s loss of approximately ₹1,257 crore during the last financial year. He also referred to changing market conditions, including an exponential rise in demand for power-grade coal since Dec. 2025 even as the country’s overall energy requirements still continue to grow.
Significantly, the CMD highlighted the company’s ongoing financial recovery, stating that ECL has subsequently moved into profit before tax during the April–June quarter of FY 2026–27, reflecting the positive impact of its corrective measures and improved operational focus.
Shri Jha further stated that the number of loss-making mines has been declining year after year. At present, 57 mines have been identified as loss-making, while 20 mines are operating profitably. To improve performance further, ECL has adopted mine-specific strategies and is focusing on operational efficiency and cost optimisation along with introduction of mass production technology in 19 such mines, amalgamation of 7 mines, introduction of HOE contracts in 4 mines, strategic closure of 11 mines and cost control measures in balance mines. He also acknowledged the commitment and participation of employees across various Areas to support the management initiatives.
The CMD also discussed the Raniganj Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan, 2009, which remains an important component of ECL’s responsible approach towards mining and community welfare. Under the rehabilitation initiative, 138 sites have been identified, with an allocation of approximately ₹2,661 crore for the implementation of rehabilitation and resettlement measures. He explained that legal title holders are entitled to compensation and housing-related benefits as per applicable provisions, while other affected residents are provided benefits in accordance with the prescribed rehabilitation framework.
Another major concern highlighted during the interaction was the substantial financial impact of electricity theft and pilferage. Shri Jha informed that against ECL’s annual electricity expenditure of around ₹550 crore, losses of approximately ₹250 crore are attributed to pilferage. He emphasised the need for stronger preventive measures and coordinated action to address this challenge.
On the issue of mine safety and illegal mining, the CMD noted that instances of rat-hole mining have almost been eliminated with the active support from District Administration. He stated that ECL has strengthened its security arrangements and is increasingly leveraging technology to curb illegal mining activities. Following the strengthening of security measures under the relevant statutory framework, including enhanced deployment of CISF personnel, concerted efforts are being made to prevent illegal extraction and ensure safer mining operations.
The press meets also focused on ECL’s plans for scientific mine closure and sustainable mining practices. The company is exploring alternative technologies and innovative methods for filling mine voids instead of relying solely on conventional sand stowing. Shri Jha further reiterated ECL’s commitment to scientifically and responsibly exploit its non-coking coal resources while ensuring environmental protection and long-term sustainability.
Concluding the interaction, Shri Jha emphasised that ECL’s transformation and future growth would be driven by operational efficiency, financial discipline, employee participation, technological innovation and responsible rehabilitation of mining-affected communities. With a renewed focus on profitability and sustainable growth, ECL is working towards strengthening its present performance while steadily advancing towards its long-term vision of achieving 81 MT of coal production by 2034–35.