NLCIL has started coal mining at Pachwara South open pit project in Jharkhand. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has successfully commenced coal mining at the Pachwara South open pit project in Jharkhand.
The coal block is located in Dumka district and will meet the fuel requirements of the Ghatampur 3 x 660 MG Thermal Power Plant being set up by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL).
According to a press release, Pachwara South Coal Block has been awarded to NUPPL – a joint venture of NLC India Limited and UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited in 2024 to fuel the 3 x 660 MW Ghatampur Thermal Power Plant in Uttar Pradesh.
The mine has a notional capacity of 9 million tonnes of G10 grade coal per annum, drawing on fully explored recoverable reserves of 264.84 million tonnes.
Preliminary mining work, including overburden removal, began on December 19, 2025, and subsequently there was a rapid transition to active coal mining. In about three months, NLCIL ensured that coal mining was successfully started in the project.
According to Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director, NLCIL, “The milestone will ensure stable coal supply for the Ghatampur project and support India’s growing energy demand.”
The early commissioning of the mine reinforces NLCIL’s strategic focus on strengthening India’s energy security. By ensuring an internal source of fuel for the joint venture power project, it will minimize supply risks and enhance the long-term viability of the upcoming power generation facility in Uttar Pradesh, NLCIL said.
Published – 30 March 2026 21:49 IST
