New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Coal today said that it has set the production target for Coal India Limited (CIL) for this financial year at 710 million tonnes (MT).
The company’s coal offtake target will also remain at 710 MT for this fiscal, in line with its goal to achieve 1 billion tonne coal production by 2023-24, the ministry said in a statement.
Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Pralhad Joshi, set these targets for the state-run company while reviewing its performance through video conference yesterday, it said.
“The demand of coal will pick up again after coronavirus lockdown, so I have directed CIL to keep the production and offtake targets at 710 MT for financial year 2020-21 in line with its goal to achieve 1 billion tonne coal production by year 2023-24.” Joshi said.
During the video conference yesterday, the minister stressed upon consistency in coal production throughout the year and instructed CIL management to make all necessary preparations so that production doesn’t get affected even during monsoon season.
He further asked CIL authorities to provide quality coal to all consumers and make sure that sufficient coal is available at power plant during the year.
In the meeting, the company’s Over Burden (OB) removal target for financial year 2020-21 was set at 1580 million cubic meters in alignment with its 1 BT plans, the ministry said. OB removal refers to the removal of top soil to expose the coal seams making them ready for mining.
“I am proud of our Coal Warriors who are toiling day and night to keep the lights on even during the pandemic and am hopeful that CIL will achieve all assigned targets on or before time. Government will extend all possible support to get the targets accomplished.” Joshi said.
He further asked CIL management to approach the companies presently importing coal to cater their demand and advised to chalk out a detailed plan to substitute the import of coal.
