Coal expansion push: Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd to open two new mines in Odisha by FY30; targets 300MT output
Times of IndiaSaturday, June 28, 2025 at 9:04:23 AM
Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), a major Indian coal producer, is pushing forward with plans to open two new mines in Odisha by 2030. The Subhadra mine is set to begin operations by 2026, followed by the Balabhadra mine by 2030, adding a combined 35 million tonnes to India’s coal reserves. Despite the expansion, MCL claims it’s working toward net-zero carbon emissions by the same deadline—a tricky balancing act between boosting fossil fuel output and environmental goals.
Editor’s Note: Coal remains a cornerstone of India’s energy strategy, even as the world debates its future. This expansion signals that coal isn’t going away anytime soon, but the net-zero pledge adds a layer of irony—or ambition, depending on who you ask. For Odisha, it means jobs and economic activity, but also tougher questions about sustainability. Keep an eye on whether MCL can actually pull off its green promises while digging deeper into coal.
— Curated via WP Now’s
