New Delhi, 3 November 2026: Coal production from India’s captive and commercial mines rose by around 42% in October 2026, reaching 22.03 million tonnes, compared with 15.49 million tonnes in the same month last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Coal on 2 November.
Coal dispatches from these mines also increased by around 36%, rising to 21.11 million tonnes in October 2026 from 15.48 million tonnes in October 2025. Dispatch refers to coal transported from mines for use by power plants, industries and other consumers.
The latest figures show a sharp increase in both coal mining and dispatch activity. Captive mines primarily produce coal for the companies that operate them, while commercial mines can supply coal to other buyers.
During the April–October period of the 2026–27 financial year, coal production from captive and commercial mines reached 117.23 million tonnes, up 11.30% from 105.33 million tonnes during the corresponding period last year.
Coal dispatches during the same seven-month period increased by 11.53% to 124.86 million tonnes, compared with 111.95 million tonnes a year earlier.
The ministry said the figures reflected improved operational efficiency, higher mining productivity and better use of available capacity.
Another development in the coal mining sector came in October, with the Lohari coal mine in Jharkhand receiving Mine Opening Permission after awaiting operationalisation for several years.
According to the ministry, the number of operational captive and commercial coal mines in India has risen to 87.
The ministry said higher production from these mines is expected to improve domestic coal availability for industries and reduce dependence on imported coal. It added that increased domestic supply could help strengthen supply chains and reduce foreign exchange expenditure on imports.
Coal remains an important fuel and raw material for India’s power generation and industrial sectors, including steel, cement and other energy-intensive industries.
The ministry said it would continue working to improve coal availability, address supply constraints and support production growth through regulatory measures and policy changes.
The October figures cover captive and commercial coal mines rather than India’s entire coal mining sector.
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