NTPC plans to set up new mining unit for fuel security

New Delhi.   NTPC Ltd  plans to create a separate coal mining division in an attempt to secure fuel supplies to run its thermal power plants. NTPC plans to create a new position of director (mining) on its board, along with a position of executive director (mining) to oversee the creation of the new division.

 

 

 

“The plan is to create a wing only for coal mining within NTPC. It is a very important move,” said a senior power ministry official, requesting anonymity. NTPC has 10 captive coal blocks, but has not been able to make them operational. The utility has a capacity to generate 41,684 megawatts (MW) of electricity with 15 coal-fuelled projects. Of its annual requirement of 160 million tonnes (mt) of coal, NTPC imports around 16 mt. The balance comes from state-run miners such as CIL and Singareni Collieries Co. Ltd.

 

 

 

“There is an executive director who takes care of mining and fuel transportation,” a senior NTPC executive, who also didn’t want to be identified, said. “The plan is under consideration. The size of the new division needs to be finalized.”   MINT