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Coal India to add brand-new mines, expand existing ones to meet greater demand, chairman says

Staterun Coal India plans to start operations at five brand-new mines and expand capacity of a minimum of 16 existing ones to deal with growing demand for the fuel, its chairman informed on Wednesday.

India has increasingly relied on coal to address record power need in current months, with the increase in coal-fired power output exceeding renewable energy development for the first time because at least 2019.

A record output by Coal India - the world's largest coal miner whose earnings and share rate have actually surged because early 2023 - is set to improve inventories at power plants running on domestic coal by 16.1% year-over-year to 40 million metric tons by end-March, Coal India Chairman P.M. Prasad said in composed action to questions.

The company is on track to surpass its production target for the 2nd straight year during the ending March, Prasad said, after stopping working to achieve its output objectives for 16 straight years.

Coal India intends to boost output by more than 7% to a record 838 million lots for the next that starts April 1, with initial stockpiles at 80 million tonnes, over 15% higher from a year previously.

The miner plans to begin operations at 5 brand-new mines, with a combined annual capability of 14.3 million loads, in the next fiscal year, Prasad said.

Coal India's earnings growth has surpassed an increase in expenses in the recent years, however investing rose nearly 20% each in 2022 and 2023. Prasad expects greater outsourcing of mining and natural typical yearly attrition of 12,000-13,000. employees to assist manage costs.

The business presently has more than 220,000 individuals on its. payrolls.

The miner has actually granted nine projects with yearly capability of. 83 million heaps to private business, with another two jobs. capable of producing 32 million lots likely to be granted before. March-end, Prasad stated.

The business, which has actually been developing solar and coal-fired. power producing plants in efforts to diversify, is scouting for. lithium assets in Australia, as India looks to secure access to. minerals crucial to the energy shift.

We are participating in expedition of lithium possessions in. Australia that are presently under development phase, and. potential long term properties, Prasad said, adding that. initial talks with Australian business are ongoing.

He decreased to offer more information.

In 2015's decline in international coal costs from 2022's. historic highs prompted Indian traders and users to increase. imports of thermal coal, which increased 9.4% to 176.3 million loads. in the year ended December 2023. Non-power users were passionate. buyers of imported coal, Prasad stated.

Lower seaborne coal prices have actually resulted in a. decline decrease Coal India's margins on what are usually typically. spot auction sales, though volumes provided through auctions rose. almost 80% to 73 million tons in the 10 months ended January.

The company is on track to auction about 20% of its output. for the year that ends March, and will continue to provide between. 10% and 20% of its production through auctions, stated Prasad, a. long time insider who was promoted to chairman in July.

(source: Reuters)