India’s Coal Production Hits Record 1 Billion Tonnes in FY 2024-25: A Step Toward Energy Independence

In a proud moment for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded the country’s historic achievement of producing 1 billion tonnes of coal in the financial year 2024-25. This record-breaking milestone highlights India’s progress in strengthening energy security, reducing import dependency, and advancing economic self-reliance.

PM Modi Praises Hard Work Behind the Achievement

Reacting to the announcement, PM Modi called this milestone a reflection of the relentless dedication and hard work of all those involved in the coal sector. He emphasized that crossing the 1 billion tonne mark symbolizes the government’s commitment to energy security, economic growth, and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, also shared the achievement on social media, pointing out that the target was reached 11 days ahead of last year’s coal production figures, which stood at 997.83 million tonnes. Reddy explained that the significant rise in coal output supports India’s growing energy needs while reducing its reliance on imports.

Key Benefits of Increased Coal Production

From April to December 2024, India’s coal imports dropped by 8.4%, resulting in foreign exchange savings of approximately $5.43 billion (around ₹42,315 crore). The government’s strategic reforms and policy changes have played a vital role in achieving this success. Some key reforms include:

• Amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act: These changes made it easier for private companies to participate in coal mining.
• Commercial Auctioning of Coal Blocks: Opening up the coal sector to private players has led to an increase in domestic coal availability and reduced reliance on costly imports.

Importance of Coal in India’s Energy Mix

Coal plays a central role in powering India’s economy. Around 55% of the country’s total energy mix comes from coal, and 74% of India’s electricity is generated by coal-based power plants. This makes coal essential for meeting India’s growing energy demands and sustaining economic growth.

The Role of Workers and Technological Advancements

The success of India’s coal sector wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated efforts of over 5 lakh mine workers employed across more than 350 coal mines. These workers, along with coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and private companies, have embraced new technologies, improved mining efficiency, and optimized logistics to achieve higher production.

Supporting India’s Energy Goals and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ Vision

This record production milestone aligns with India’s long-term goal of achieving energy self-reliance by 2047 under the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision. By continuing to focus on sustainable resource management, advanced mining techniques, and strategic reforms, India is steadily moving toward building a robust and energy-secure future.

A Step Toward Energy Independence

The achievement of producing 1 billion tonnes of coal is more than just a number—it represents India’s progress toward reducing dependence on imported coal, saving foreign exchange, and strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure. With continued efforts, the coal sector is poised to play an even bigger role in driving India’s economic resilience and energy independence in the years ahead.