Gevra Mine to Become Asia’s Largest Coal Mine

March 6, 2024

In a significant development, the Gevra mine of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Chhattisgarh is set to become the largest coal mine in Asia. The mine received environmental clearance recently to expand its production capacity from the current 52.5 million tonnes per annum to an impressive 70 million tonnes.

The milestone was achieved through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Coal and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The two ministries worked in tandem to expedite the process of obtaining environmental clearance for the Gevra mine.

Key Player in Meeting India’s Energy Needs

The environmental clearance highlights the crucial role played by the Gevra mine in meeting India’s growing energy requirements. As one of SECL’s major projects, the mine’s expanded production capacity will contribute significantly to the nation’s coal supply.

The Gevra coal mine, a mega project of SECL, attained the status of the country’s largest coal mine last year, with annual production reaching 52.5 million tons for FY 22-23. It has been contributing to the country’s energy security for over 40 years, according to an SECL spokesperson.

Spanning approximately 10 kilometers in length and 4 kilometers in breadth, the mine utilizes eco-friendly mining technologies such as Surface Miner and Ripper Mining. It also employs high-capacity Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) like the 42 Cum shovel and 240-ton dumper combination for overburden removal. Additionally, the mine features first-mile connectivity with conveyer belts, Silos, and a Rapid Loading System for efficient and eco-friendly coal evacuation.

Steps Towards Realizing the Vision

The environmental clearance marks a significant step towards realizing the vision of transforming Gevra into the world’s largest coal mine. SECL is committed to implementing advanced mining technologies and sustainable practices to ensure efficient and environmentally responsible coal production.

The expansion of the Gevra mine is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and communities. With increased production capacity, the mine will generate additional employment opportunities and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

Balancing Energy Needs and Environmental Sustainability

As India strives to meet its growing energy demands, the expansion of the Gevra mine highlights the need to balance coal production with environmental sustainability. SECL and Coal India have been adopting best practices in mining operations to minimize the environmental impact and promote responsible resource utilization.

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