In a bold stride towards sustainable mining, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has inked a ₹7040 crore deal with TMC Mineral Resources Pvt. Ltd. to pioneer paste fill technology at its Singhali underground coal mine in Chhattisgarh’s Korba area. This isn’t just a contract; it’s a statement of intent, a challenge to the status quo, and a potential game-changer for India’s coal mining sector.
Paste fill technology, as the name suggests, involves filling mined-out voids with a paste made from fly ash, crushed overburden, cement, water, and binding chemicals. It’s not just about plugging holes; it’s about transforming waste into a resource, reducing land acquisition needs, and enhancing safety. By adopting this method, SECL is set to become India’s first coal PSU to embrace this environmentally friendly mining technique.
The 25-year project aims to extract approximately 8.4 million tonnes of G-7 grade non-coking coal. But the real value lies in what this initiative represents: a shift towards green mining, a commitment to sustainability, and a willingness to innovate. The Singhali mine, operational since 1993, has been constrained by surface infrastructure like villages, power lines, and roads. Paste fill technology offers a solution, allowing underground mining to continue without disturbing these surface structures.
SECL CMD Harish Duhan calls it a “landmark step toward green mining.” He’s not exaggerating. This project could indeed shape the future of the coal industry, not just in India, but globally. It’s a testament to the fact that mining can be done responsibly, sustainably, and innovatively. It’s a challenge to other PSUs to step up, to think beyond the traditional, to embrace technology and sustainability.
But let’s not get carried away. This is just the beginning. The real test will be in the execution. Can SECL and TMC Mineral Resources deliver on their promises? Can they overcome the challenges that come with implementing new technology? Can they ensure that this project truly is a step towards green mining?
Moreover, this initiative raises questions about the future of coal mining in India. With the government pushing for renewable energy, where does coal fit in? Can sustainable mining practices like paste fill technology give coal a new lease on life? Or is this a case of too little, too late?
Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: SECL’s move is a significant step in the right direction. It’s a challenge to the industry, a beacon of hope for sustainable mining, and a testament to the power of innovation. Let’s watch this space. The future of coal mining in India might just be unfolding in the mines of Korba.
