New Delhi: In a landmark achievement that echoes Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has successfully revived its long-abandoned PB Project under the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model, marking a new era in India’s energy self-reliance.
This revival marks the first operational MDO mine within the Coal India Limited (CIL) ecosystem, setting a powerful precedent for public-private collaboration in India’s mining sector.
Key Highlights:
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Project Details:
The PB Project, now operational again, was awarded to Eagle Infra India Limited for a 25-year term. It is projected to yield 52 million tonnes of coal, primarily coking coal, with a peak rated capacity (PRC) of 2.7 million tonnes per year (MTY). This output will significantly bolster domestic availability of coking coal—a vital input for India’s steel and infrastructure sectors. -
Strategic Model:
Operating under the MDO model, the project represents a shift towards transparent, sustainable, and efficient mining by leveraging private sector expertise in legacy public sector assets. Under the revenue-sharing agreement, BCCL will receive 6% of gross revenue, ensuring a fair and mutually beneficial partnership. -
Atmanirbhar Bharat in Action:
The project is aligned with national goals by:-
Reviving unused coal reserves
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Reducing India’s dependence on imported coking coal
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Introducing advanced mining technologies
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Creating employment opportunities in Jharkhand
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Supporting local and regional economic development
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Leadership and Vision:
The project’s execution reflects the visionary leadership of Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of State Shri Satish Chander Dubey, and Coal Secretary Shri Vikram Dev Dutt. Their strategic direction has been instrumental in transforming a dormant asset into a vibrant contributor to national growth.
Inauguration and Recognition:
The PB Project’s inauguration was conducted virtually and attended by top leaders from the coal industry:
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Shri P.M. Prasad, Chairman of Coal India Limited, hailed the revival as a “pioneering step”, emphasizing its transformative potential in empowering communities and furthering national goals.
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Shri Samiran Dutta, CMD of BCCL, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited, and all stakeholders. He reaffirmed BCCL’s commitment to Mission Coking Coal, import reduction, and environmentally responsible mining.
BCCL Directors including Shri Murli Krishna Ramaiah (HR), Shri S.K. Singh (Technical – Operations), Shri Manoj Kumar Agarwal (Technical – Project & Planning), and representatives from Eagle Infra Pvt. Ltd., were also present at the ceremony.
Looking Ahead:
This milestone reaffirms India’s resolve to reclaim, repurpose, and revitalize its mining potential. As the first step in Coal India’s broader strategy of unlocking legacy resources, the PB Project is not merely a revival—it is a resurgence of self-reliance, innovation, and industrial empowerment.
for more details, check press release on PIB website.
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