Record First Quarter with 44.10 MT Production, 48.79 MT Offtake and 99.36 MCuM OBR
Bilaspur (thestates.news) | South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), the flagship subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has delivered its strongest-ever first-quarter performance, achieving record coal production, offtake and overburden removal (OBR) during Q1 FY 2026-27. The company recorded robust growth across all key operational parameters, reflecting sustained momentum in mechanisation, operational efficiency and underground mining.
During the quarter, SECL produced 44.10 million tonnes (MT) of coal, an increase of 7.19% over the corresponding period last year. Coal offtake reached a record 48.79 MT, registering a 5.29% year-on-year growth, while overburden removal stood at 99.36 million cubic metres (MCuM), up 5.62% over Q1 FY 2025-26.
SECL also recorded its highest-ever monthly performance during June 2026. Coal production and offtake reached record levels for the month, while overburden removal touched an all-time high of 34.05 MCuM, surpassing the monthly target by nearly 10% and registering a 17.3% increase over June last year. The record OBR performance provides a strong operational foundation for sustaining production momentum in the coming months.
Mechanised coal evacuation through First Mile Connectivity (FMC) continued to register strong growth. During the first quarter, 19.58 MT of coal was dispatched through FMC systems, marking a robust 19.7% year-on-year increase. The growing share of FMC-based loading reinforces Coal India Limited’s commitment to faster, cleaner and environmentally sustainable coal evacuation through silo-based, dust-free loading.
Commenting on the company’s performance, Shri Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, SECL, said, “SECL has delivered its best-ever first-quarter performance in coal production, offtake and overburden removal, reflecting the dedication of our workforce and focus on operational excellence. The strong growth in FMC-based loading underscores our commitment to efficient and sustainable mining practices. With comprehensive monsoon preparedness measures already in place across our mining operations, we remain committed to ensuring uninterrupted coal supplies and supporting the nation’s energy security.”
Coal supplies to the power sector remained the primary driver of offtake growth. During Q1 FY 2026-27, SECL supplied 37.79 MT of coal to power utilities, an increase of 5.4% over the corresponding period last year, supporting the country’s electricity demand during the peak summer and early monsoon season.
The company’s continued focus on strengthening underground mining also yielded encouraging results. Underground coal production increased by 23.35% year-on-year to 3.17 MT, marking SECL’s best first-quarter underground production in the last six years. The performance reflects the company’s sustained efforts to enhance underground mining through modern technologies and improved operational practices.
SECL’s record first-quarter performance reflects its continued commitment to operational excellence and efficient coal production while contributing significantly to Coal India Limited’s production and offtake objectives for FY 2026-27.
