Coal production from Captive and Commercial mines during October 2026 of FY 2026–27 stood at 22.03 million tonnes (MT) increasing from 15.49 MT in October 2025 (~42 % YoY growth), while coal dispatches reached 21.11 MT increasing from 15.48 MT in October 2025 (~36 % YoY growth). The sector registered robust year-on-year growth, with coal production increasing from 105.33 MT to 117.23 MT at 11.30% and dispatch increasing from 111.95 MT to 124.86 MT at 11.53% compared to the period April to October of the previous year, reflecting sustained momentum in mining operations.
These encouraging results underscore improved operational efficiency, enhanced mining productivity, and more effective utilization of mining capacities across the captive and commercial coal mining sector.
The accompanying graph illustrates the data on production and dispatch in (Million tonnes).
In a further boost to the sector, the Lohari coal mine in Jharkhand, obtained Mine Opening Permission in October 2026. The mine had been awaiting operationalisation for several years, and its approval reflects the impact of Ministry's Ease of Doing Business reforms. With this, the number of operational captive and commercial coal mines has risen to 87.
The rising production from these mines is expected to reduce dependence on imported coal, strengthen supply-chain resilience, conserve valuable foreign exchange, and advance the Government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by enhancing self-sufficiency in a critical raw material for industrial development.
Reaffirming its commitment to fully realise the potential of captive and commercial coal mining, the Ministry will continue to focus on sustaining production growth, addressing supply constraints, improving coal availability through a combination of progressive policy interventions, robust regulatory oversight, and continued stakeholder support and ensuring a reliable contribution towards meeting the nation’s growing energy and industrial requirements.