BCCL CMD Meets MoS Home Nityanand Rai; Focus on Mine Safety, Coal Security and Boosting Coking Coal Production
Discussions centered on illegal mining, coal theft, CISF deployment and ensuring uninterrupted domestic coking coal production
In a significant move aimed at strengthening the security of India’s critical coal assets, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) Chairman-cum-Managing Director Manoj Kumar Agarwal called on Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on July 2, 2026, to discuss measures for ensuring safe and uninterrupted coking coal production.
During the courtesy meeting, the two leaders held detailed discussions on enhancing the safety of BCCL’s mining operations, tackling illegal mining and coal theft, and reinforcing security arrangements to ensure uninterrupted production of the country’s vital coking coal resources.
The Minister assured BCCL of the Government of India’s full support in effectively addressing illegal mining, coal theft and other security-related challenges affecting coal production. He emphasized that coking coal is a strategically important mineral for India and creating a secure environment for its sustainable production remains a key priority of the Government.
Highlighting BCCL’s importance in India’s energy and industrial ecosystem, Rai said the company plays a crucial role in reducing the country’s dependence on imported coking coal. He noted that higher domestic production of coking coal, an essential raw material for the steel sector, directly supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening self-reliance in critical minerals.
The meeting also reviewed the role of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in safeguarding BCCL’s mining assets and operations. Both sides discussed measures to further strengthen CISF deployment and upgrade the overall security framework to curb illegal mining, protect national assets and facilitate safe, efficient and uninterrupted coking coal production.
The discussions concluded on a positive note, with both sides agreeing on the need to further enhance mine safety, strengthen security infrastructure and ensure sustainable, safe and uninterrupted production of coking coal, which is considered strategically important for India’s steel industry and economic growth.
