West Bengal: Sonepur Bazari mine exceeds coal production target in FY27
Kolkata, Aug 3 (TNT): Sonepur Bazari Opencast Mine (OCP) of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has surpassed its coal production and overburden removal targets in the current financial year, strengthening its position as one of Coal India Limited’s most productive opencast mines.
Located in the eastern part of the Raniganj Coalfield in West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman district, the mine has an Annual Action Plan (AAP) target of 120 lakh tonnes of coal production for FY 2026-27.
According to the company, the mine produced 29.22 lakh tonnes of coal against the planned target of 27.74 lakh tonnes, achieving 105.34 per cent of the target during the current period.
The mine also recorded 253.40 lakh cubic metres of overburden removal against the planned target of 206.20 lakh cubic metres, achieving 122.89 per cent, thereby enhancing coal exposure for the remaining part of the financial year.
Coal dispatch during the current financial year stood at 39.94 lakh tonnes, registering a 16 per cent increase over the corresponding period of the previous year, reflecting improved logistics and evacuation systems.
ECL attributed the performance to increased land availability following rehabilitation and resettlement measures, improved mining infrastructure and efficient operational planning.
The mine is equipped with a 12-million-tonne-per-annum Coal Handling Plant (CHP) with rapid loading systems capable of dispatching 10 to 12 railway rakes daily, ensuring uninterrupted coal supplies to major consumers.
Sonepur Bazari also operates a fleet of heavy earth moving machinery, including a Marion dragline, electric rope shovels, hydraulic excavators and high-capacity dumpers, supported by outsourced mining equipment to enhance operational efficiency.
The company said the mine has adopted advanced technologies such as surface miners, modern drilling systems, controlled blasting techniques and dust suppression measures to improve productivity while promoting environmentally responsible mining practices.
ECL said the operational performance has positioned Sonepur Bazari to achieve its annual production target of 120 lakh tonnes during FY 2026-27 while continuing to contribute significantly to Coal India Limited’s mission of ensuring reliable energy supplies.
TNT KM
