Western Coalfields gets green nod for Durgapur mine expansion

Western Coalfields, a subsidiary of Coal India, has received the green nod for expansion of its Durgapur opencast mine in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra that would entail an investment of Rs 379 crore, as per an official statement.
The proposal is to increase the production capacity from the current 2.3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 3 MTPA. The mining method would be opencast and shovel-dumper combination.
In a letter to Western Coalfields, the environment ministry said it has given the final environment clearance to the proposed expansion of Durgapur mine after taking into account views of an expert panel.
The clearance has been given subject to compliance of certain conditions. Total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 379 crore, the letter said.

After expansion, the total project area will increase from 1,186.54 hectare to 1,622.60 hectare with the mining capacity remaining the same.
Western Coalfields is operating ten coal mines in and around Chandrapur. Of these, six are underground and four mines are opencast.
It produces about 6 million tonnes of coal annually and most of it is supplied to Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSPS) and other power plants in the state.