Chhattisgarh: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, proudly announces that its Gevra and Kusmunda coal mines have secured prominent positions in the global mining landscape. According to the latest rankings released by WorldAtlas.com, Gevra and Kusmunda have clinched the 2nd and 4th spots respectively in the list of the world’s 10 largest coal mines.
Located in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh state, these mines collectively contribute over 100 million tons of coal annually, marking a crucial milestone in India’s energy sector. Their combined output accounts for approximately 10% of the country’s total coal production.
Gevra, the opencast behemoth, boasts an annual production capacity of 70 million tons and achieved a remarkable output of 59 million tons during the fiscal year 2023-24. Since commencing operations in 1981, Gevra has amassed substantial coal reserves, ensuring energy security for India for the next decade.
Following closely behind, Kusmunda opencast mine celebrated a production milestone of more than 50 million tons in FY 23-24, making it the second mine in India after Gevra to achieve this feat.
Both mines are lauded for their adoption of advanced technologies in mining operations. They employ state-of-the-art equipment such as the “Surface Miner,” which facilitates eco-friendly coal extraction without the need for traditional blasting methods. Moreover, for overburden removal — a crucial step in mining operations — Gevra and Kusmunda utilize some of the world’s largest HEMMs (Heavy Earth Moving Machinery), including 240-ton dumpers, 42 cubic meters shovels, and vertical rippers, ensuring efficient and environmentally sensitive practices.
Dr. Prem Sagar Mishra, Chairman and Managing Director of SECL, expressed pride in this accolade, emphasizing its significance for Chhattisgarh and India as a whole. “It is indeed a proud moment for Chhattisgarh to host two of the world’s largest coal mines. This achievement underscores the relentless efforts of our coal warriors and the collaborative support from stakeholders including the Coal Ministry, MoEFCC, State Government, Coal India, Railways, and others,” remarked Dr. Mishra.
The recognition of Gevra and Kusmunda on the global stage reaffirms India’s position as a key player in the coal mining sector and highlights SECL’s commitment to sustainable and efficient resource extraction practices.