Odisha Government Seeks Revision Of Coal Royalty In Union Budget

Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), which at present operates in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, has also been allotted four blocks in Odisha. The move is expected to bring the company out of the red. This is the first subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) to have got coal blocks away from its regular area of operations.

Difficult mining conditions in the present area under WCL have been a major factor in hampering the company’s profitability. The mineral is deep-seated in the areas. This means to get one tonne of coal, WCL has to dig out almost 9 tonnes of earth. This shrinks the margins. The management had been demanding blocks in other states where mining is easier. The company has over 75 mines in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Recently, it was decided to offer four blocks to WCL. The mines are located in the Ib valley coalfield area of Odisha. Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), another subsidiary of CIL, is already operating in the state. Read More…

Coal, Odisha