NLCIL commences coal production at Pachwara South Open Cast Mine project

NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has successfully commenced coal production at the Pachwara South Open Cast Mine project in Jharkhand.

Located in Dumka district, the coal block will meet the fuel requirements for the 3 x 660 MG Ghatampur Thermal Power Plant being established by the Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL).

According to a press note, the Pachwara South Coal Block was allotted to NUPPL – a Joint Venture of NLC India Limited and UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited in 2024 to supply fuel for the 3 x 660 MW of Ghatampur Thermal Power Plant in Uttar Pradesh.

The mine has a normative capacity of 9 million tonnes per annum of G10 grade coal, drawing from a fully explored extractable reserve of 264.84 million tonnes.

Preliminary mining operations, including the removal of overburden started on December 19, 2025 following which, there was a swift transition into active coal production. In around three months, NLCIL has ensured that coal production has started successfully at the project.

According to Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director of NLCIL, “The milestone will ensure a steady supply of coal for the Ghatampur project and support India’s growing energy demand.”

The early operationalisation of the mine reinforces NLCIL’s strategic focus on bolstering India’s energy security. By securing an internal fuel source for its joint venture power project, it minimises supply risks and enhances the long-term viability of the upcoming power generation facility in Uttar Pradesh, NLCIL said.