BCCL Revives Legacy Coal Mine Via MDO Model: From Abandonment To Opportunity

In a significant step toward achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has successfully recommenced coal production from its long-abandoned PB Project, utilizing the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model. This milestone marks a historic first for Coal India Limited (CIL), as the PB Project becomes the first operational MDO mine within its group.

The PB Project has been awarded to Eagle Infra India Limited on a 25-year contract. Over its lifecycle, the project is expected to yield 52 million tonnes of coal (with a Peak Rated Capacity of 2.7 million tonnes per year), primarily coking coal — a critical raw material for India’s steel and infrastructure sectors.

A Model for Energy Self-Reliance

This public-private partnership underscores India’s commitment to energy security and import substitution, highlighting multiple strategic gains:

• Revival of legacy coal assets through private-sector operational efficiency

• Reduction in coking coal imports, bolstering domestic supply

• Deployment of advanced mining technologies and global best practices

• Job creation and regional economic development

• Sustainable and transparent resource utilization

Under the revenue-sharing model, BCCL will receive 6% of the gross revenue, setting a precedent for equitable and transparent collaborations in the mining sector.

Visionary Leadership and National Commitment

This initiative aligns with the broader strategic direction of the Ministry of Coal under the leadership of:

• G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines

• Satish Chandra Dubey, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines

• Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal

Their strategic oversight has enabled this transformation of a legacy asset into a national opportunity.

The virtual inauguration was graced by P.M. Prasad, Chairman, Coal India Limited, who hailed the revival as a “pioneering step” in India’s energy journey. He emphasized that the reopening of the PB Project goes beyond mere resource extraction — it represents a renewed vision for legacy transformation, community empowerment, and national self-reliance.

Stakeholder Participation

The event saw participation from senior leadership across BCCL and Eagle Infra India Limited, including:

• Samiran Dutta, Chairman and Managing Director, BCCL

• Murli Krishna Ramaiah, Director (HR)

• S.K. Singh, Director (Technical) Operations

• Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Director (Technical), Project & Planning

CMD Samiran Dutta expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support. He reaffirmed BCCL’s commitment to Mission Coking Coal, import reduction, and sustainable mining practices aligned with national priorities.