Korba, Chhattisgarh: In a pioneering move toward sustainable coal mining, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, is set to become the first coal public sector undertaking (PSU) in India to adopt paste fill technology for underground mining. The landmark initiative was formalized through a ₹7040 crore agreement signed with TMC Mineral Resources Private Limited.
The breakthrough project will be implemented at the Singhali underground coal mine located in SECL’s Korba area. Over the next 25 years, the mine is expected to produce approximately 8.4 million tonnes of G-7 grade non-coking coal using this eco-friendly method, marking a significant shift in India’s approach to underground coal extraction.
Paste fill technology, a cutting-edge technique in underground mining, enables coal production without the need to acquire surface land or compromise existing infrastructure. The method involves filling the voids created by coal extraction with a paste made from industrial waste materials such as fly ash, crushed overburden, cement, water, and binding agents. This not only enhances the structural integrity of the mine but also prevents land subsidence and promotes the recycling of waste.
The Singhali mine, operational since 1993, was originally developed using the Bord and Pillar method and has an extractable reserve of 8.45 million tonnes. However, due to the presence of villages, high-tension power lines, and a Public Works Department (PWD) road above the mining zone, traditional caving techniques were deemed unsafe. The introduction of paste fill technology now offers a viable alternative, allowing mining to resume without disturbing surface life or infrastructure.
“This is a transformational step for the Indian coal sector,” said SECL Chairman and Managing Director Shri Harish Duhan. “I firmly believe that paste fill technology will not only secure the future of underground mining but also offer an innovative, eco-friendly solution. This project is a landmark step toward green mining and will shape the future of the coal industry in the years to come.”
The initiative is expected to serve as a model for reviving other underground mines in India where surface constraints have halted operations. With a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, this project aligns with India’s broader goals of responsible resource utilization and green technological innovation in mining.
As the coal industry grapples with the dual challenges of increasing production and minimizing environmental impact, SECL’s move to integrate paste fill technology could redefine best practices in mining and establish India as a leader in sustainable mineral extraction.
