In a significant stride towards meeting the nation’s energy demands, South Eastern Coalfield Limited’s (SECL) Gevra mine, based in Chhattisgarh, is on the verge of becoming the largest coal mine in Asia. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted environmental clearance for the mine to expand its production capacity to an impressive 70 million tons per annum, up from the current 52.5 million tons.
This groundbreaking achievement is the result of the concerted efforts of the Ministry of Coal, which collaborated seamlessly with MoEFCC to ensure the timely environmental clearance for Gevra’s expanded production. Recognizing the mine’s pivotal role as one of SECL’s megaprojects, geared towards addressing the nation’s energy needs, the Ministry of Coal played a crucial role in this record-breaking accomplishment.
Prem Sagar Misha, CMD, SECL, expressed his appreciation for the historic milestone, stating, “Under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal, a historic milestone has been achieved by the Coal India team today. We have a vision for Gevra to become the largest coal mine in the world with state-of-art mining operations, and this is a significant milestone towards that journey.”
The SECL management extended their gratitude to the Ministry for its unwavering support in obtaining environmental clearance for Gevra, marking a historic day for both SECL and the state of Chhattisgarh. They also acknowledged the swift action and support from MoEFCC, central and state agencies, and the Chhattisgarh Government.
About Gevra: Gevra stands as one of the megaprojects under South Eastern Coalfields Limited, achieving the status of the largest coal mine in the country in the fiscal year 2022-2023, with an annual production of 52.5 million tons. With a striking length of approximately 10 KM and a breadth of 4 KM, Gevra employs eco-friendly blast-free mining technology, including Surface Miner and Ripper Mining. The mine boasts a remarkable first-mile connectivity system equipped with a conveyor belt, silos, and a Rapid Loading System for efficient and eco-friendly coal evacuation.
The expansion of Gevra’s annual production to 70 million tons reflects SECL’s commitment to sustainable and advanced mining practices. As the mine gears up to become the largest in Asia, it is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring the energy security of the nation for years to come.