CIL to remain mkt leader even after entry of pvt players in coal mining

State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) today exuded confidence that it will remain the market leader even after the entry of private players into commercial mining of the dry fuel.

There have been talks of commercial mining for long, and it is not a threat but an opportunity for the company to show its competence, CIL Chairman and Managing Director Gopal Singh said.

He told reporters that the government had given a chance to private players earlier as well and the desire was that there should be competition, not monopoly, but they failed and CIL remained strong.

When there will be competitor/s, it will become clear as to who the leader is. "Let me tell you CIL will emerge as the leader even then, also in terms of production and supply," he said.

The Union Cabinet last month approved auctioning of coal mines to the one bidding the highest per tonne price. At present, private sector firms are only allowed to mine coal for use in cement, steel, power and aluminium plants.

CIL is the sole commercial miner in the country with 80 per cent market share.

Singh said producing coal, creating inventory, and supplies -- everything has to be looked at in the business.

Besides, one cannot maintain stocks for long due to various risks to coal such as catching fire, theft and being washed out in rain, he said.

In the supply and demand cycle, the former should be the focus area, he said, adding that there should be continuity in supply and the stock can be maintained for 22 days.

He also emphasised that there is no shortage of coal in the country and that there is enough for everyone.

There is not even lack of demand, he said, adding that supply should be the focus area so that the problems related to reaching coal to plants at long distances can be overcome.

He said the modes of transporting coal are doing well, and developing them will improve supplies further.

Railways is supplying at its best, he said. "320 rakes a day, 280 to just power sector."