Bharat Coking Coal (BCCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has revived its long-abandoned PB Project in Jharkhand. Coal production at the mine has resumed under the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model, making it the first operational MDO mine in the entire CIL group.
In the MDO model, a private company is contracted to develop and run a mine on behalf of a government or public sector owner.
The PB Project has been awarded to Eagle Infra India Limited for a period of 25 years. It will produce 52 million tonnes of coal during its lifetime. The mine has a peak rated capacity of 2.7 million tonnes per year and will mostly produce coking coal — a key raw material used in steelmaking.
BCCL to receive 6 per cent of gross revenue
The PB Project is being developed under a revenue-sharing model, with BCCL set to receive six per cent of the gross revenue generated. Officials say this model ensures transparency and sets a new benchmark for equitable mining partnerships in India.
Revival aims to cut coking coal imports
The revival of the PB Project is being seen as a strategic move to reduce India’s dependence on imported coking coal. This public-private partnership is expected to bring modern mining technologies, improve resource utilisation, and create employment in the region.
Under the leadership of Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State Satish Chander Dubey, the Ministry of Coal has been actively pushing for faster development of legacy coal assets. The initiative is also being guided by Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal.
The project is expected to serve as a model for the future revival of more legacy coal blocks in India, further strengthening domestic coal production and reducing the need for imports.