Coal India Board Grants In-Principle Approval for Listing of Subsidiary SECL

Strategic move follows Ministry of Coal advisory to list major subsidiaries MCL and SECL in FY 2026.

KOLKATA — December 23, 2025 — Coal India Limited (CIL), the Maharatna mining giant, has officially accorded in-principle approval for the listing of its wholly-owned subsidiary, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL). The decision was formalized via a circular resolution by the CIL Board and communicated to the stock exchanges today.

This development follows a specific directive from the Ministry of Coal (MoC) issued on December 16, 2025, advising CIL to initiate concrete steps for the public listing of its high-performing subsidiaries, namely Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and SECL, within the upcoming financial year.

Strategic Rationale and Next Steps

The listing of SECL is a landmark move aimed at unlocking value and enhancing corporate governance within CIL’s subsidiary framework.

Government Mandate: The proposal will now be forwarded to the Ministry of Coal and subsequently to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) for further processing.
Regulatory Pathway: The proposed listing is subject to various regulatory approvals, including clearances from SEBI and the completion of internal restructuring if required.
Wider Objectives: This move aligns with the Government of India’s broader strategy of professionalizing PSUs and increasing market participation in the energy sector.

About South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)

SECL is one of the largest coal-producing subsidiaries of Coal India, contributing significantly to the nation’s energy security.

Operations: Headquartered in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, SECL operates across the states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Output: It consistently accounts for a massive share of CIL’s total production, making it a highly attractive entity for potential investors.
Infrastructure: SECL has been at the forefront of implementing First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects and mechanical coal handling to reduce environmental impact.