South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Coal India subsidiary, has achieved a significant milestone in its operations by removing over 281 million cubic meters (MCuM) of overburden from April 2024 to date. This marks 105% of its pro-rata target and reflects a 7.58% increase compared to the same period last year. Overburden removal is an essential pre-coal extraction process that clears soil and rock layers to access coal reserves.
The Chhattisgarh-based company has maintained an unprecedented pace, removing over 1.3 million cubic meters of overburden daily. SECL is optimistic about surpassing its annual target and achieving an additional 40-45 MCuM of overburden removal, the highest in its history.
Dr. Prem Sagar Mishra, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of SECL, expressed confidence in the company’s efforts despite challenges, noting the significant progress towards achieving and exceeding targets.
SECL has implemented the environmentally friendly vertical ripper technique in its megaprojects, a blast-free method that minimizes environmental impact while maintaining high efficiency. Additionally, the company has fast-tracked its land acquisition processes, creating over 880 employment opportunities for landowners whose lands were acquired in 2024, showcasing SECL’s commitment to community development.
These accomplishments highlight SECL’s leadership in the mining sector, balancing operational excellence with environmental sustainability. The company’s focus on overburden removal is not only boosting coal production but also setting new benchmarks in the industry.
