Coal Mining Operations resumes at Tikak Colliery of NEC

Guwahati: Coal mining operations at North Eastern Coalfields (NEC), a unit of the world’s largest coal company Coal India Limited (CIL), resumed on Saturday with the Union Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi inaugurated resumption of mining operations at Tikak colliery of NEC.

Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma was also present on the occasion.

“Today we have resumed mining operations at Tikak colliery and it is a very important step towards the development of the region. The coal quality of NEC is superior and it is in high demand by several of India’s domestic industries.” Shri Joshi said.

“Increased production in the mines will generate more revenues for the State Government, more employment for the people and also support small business activities while catering to the energy demand.” Shri Joshi further added.

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said mining operations at NEC were halted in 2020 due to environment-related issues. "With this inauguration, we have fulfilled our promise made in Assembly Election. NEC will also begin producing coal from Tirap OCP from Fiscal 22-23 with a target to produce 10 Lakh Tonne coal per annum" he said.

He said the government is committed to maintaining a balance between development and the environment. "While operationalizing Tikak Colliery, we have ensured that mining activities continue in sync with nature," he said.
He further said the state government has extended all cooperation to Coal India in resolving legal, land acquisition, environmental issues.

Coal India accounts for over 80 percent of India’s coal production. The company has produced 606.06 million tonnes of coal in the current fiscal till March 25, 2022. The company’s coal production is up by 5%, relative to the same period of the last fiscal. The company’s coal offtake till date is 649.65 million tonnes, up by 15% in comparison to the same period of the last fiscal. This is also the record coal offtake by the company in any financial year.