India’s first eco-friendly coal mine to launch with Rs 70.40 billion deal

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has entered into a Rs 70.40 billion agreement with TMC Mineral Resources Private Limited to implement paste fill technology at the Singhali underground coal mine in Korba, Chhattisgarh. The 25-year project targets coal production of 8.4 million tonnes.

SECL becomes the first public sector coal utility in India to adopt this environmentally sustainable mining method. 

The method is more environmentally sustainable than traditional mining. When coal is extracted from underground, large empty spaces are left behind. These voids can lead to land subsidence, causing roads, buildings, and farmlands above to sink or crack. In the past, this issue was managed by filling the gaps with loose material or expanding operations across more land.

Paste fill technology offers a safer solution. It uses a dense mixture of fly ash, crushed waste rock, cement, water, and chemicals to fill the mined-out spaces. This paste is pumped back into the underground voids, providing strong support and preventing the ground from shifting.

By using this method, SECL can mine coal without disturbing surface infrastructure. It also reduces the need to acquire more land, making it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The project reflects a growing focus on safer and greener mining practices in India.