BCCL CMD Urges Coking Coal Consumers to Reject Illegal Coal, Strengthen Transparent Supply Chain
Agarwal emphasised that strengthening the availability of domestic coking coal is critical to supporting India’s expanding steelmaking capacity and the country's broader industrial growth
BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal has urged coking coal consumers to avoid purchasing coal from illegal traders and unauthorised sources, stressing that producers and consumers must jointly work towards building a formal, transparent and reliable coal supply chain.
Agarwal made the remarks while interacting with coking coal consumers on the second day of BigMint India Ferrous Week 2026, being held in Kolkata from August 19 to 21. The interaction brought together consumers from the steel and allied industries along with other stakeholders across the ferrous value chain.
The consumer dialogue focused on changing market requirements, coal quality, supply reliability, supply-chain efficiency and the evolving expectations of the steel and ferrous metals industries. The discussions also explored ways to strengthen long-term relationships between BCCL and its customers.
Consumers Appreciate BCCL’s Action Against Illegal Mining
During the interaction, consumers appreciated BCCL’s sustained efforts to curb illegal mining and unauthorised coal extraction.
They described the company’s action as an important step towards protecting valuable coal resources, improving mine safety and promoting responsible mining practices. Consumers also highlighted the importance of such measures in ensuring greater transparency and accountability across the coal supply chain.
Agarwal said that creating a streamlined and transparent coal supply system is a shared responsibility of both producers and consumers.
He urged consumers to place the broader national interest above short-term considerations and refrain from buying coal from illegal traders or unauthorised sources.
According to the BCCL CMD, sourcing coal through authorised channels not only supports a transparent supply system but also helps discourage illegal mining and the associated diversion of the country’s valuable natural resources.
Domestic Coking Coal Crucial for Steel Growth
Agarwal emphasised that strengthening the availability of domestic coking coal is critical to supporting India’s expanding steelmaking capacity and the country’s broader industrial growth.
He called for greater coordination, transparency and mutual trust between coal producers and consumers, saying that collective action by all stakeholders would be essential to advancing the Government of India’s vision of Viksit Bharat and a self-reliant India.
The CMD reiterated BCCL’s customer-centric approach and said the company remains committed to supplying quality coal reliably while improving operational efficiency and maintaining responsive communication with consumers.
He also stressed that effective action against illegal mining is necessary not only to protect BCCL’s resources but also to create a more orderly, responsible and sustainable mining ecosystem.
BCCL Highlights Commitment to Quality and Reliable Supply
The interaction forms part of BCCL’s wider efforts to engage directly with its consumer base and better understand the requirements of the steel industry.
The company is focusing on improving coal quality, ensuring reliable supplies, strengthening responsible mining practices and developing transparent, long-term relationships with customers.
These measures assume greater significance as India seeks to increase domestic coking coal availability and reduce dependence on imported raw material for its growing steel industry.
Manoj Kumar Agarwal Speaks at India Ferrous Week
BigMint India Ferrous Week 2026 is being organised in Kolkata from August 19 to 21 and provides a platform for discussions across the ferrous value chain, including raw materials, steelmaking, coal, trade, logistics, technology and market developments.
On the inaugural day, August 19, BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal participated as an esteemed speaker and special guest in a session titled “BCCL: Enhancing Domestic Coking Coal Availability for Viksit Bharat.”
His participation in the consumer interaction on August 20 further underlined BCCL’s focus on maintaining direct engagement with the steel industry and strengthening the domestic coking coal ecosystem.
For BCCL, ensuring quality coal, dependable supplies, responsible mining and a transparent relationship with consumers remains central to its role in supporting India’s steelmaking ambitions and the national objective of building a self-reliant and developed economy.
