Northern Coalfields Limited: India’s Leading Miniratna Strengthening National Energy Security
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a Coal India subsidiary, produces 139 MT of coal annually, supports 10% of India’s power generation, leads in mechanized mining, green initiatives, FMC expansion, CSR impact, and sustainable growth in the Singrauli region.
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) is a Miniratna Company under the Ministry of Coal and a subsidiary of Coal India Limited. Established in 1985 and headquartered in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, NCL operates in the Moher Sub-Basin of the Singrauli Coalfield, an area known as the “Energy Capital of India.” The company plays a crucial role in India’s energy security, producing around 139 million tonnes of coal annually, which supports nearly 10% of the nation’s electricity generation. NCL runs ten highly mechanized opencast mines using advanced HEMM, draglines, surface miners, and high-capacity machinery, achieving 100% departmental coal production.
To ensure efficient coal transportation, NCL has developed strong First Mile Connectivity systems including belt pipe conveyors, rapid loading systems, and rail-based Merry-Go-Round networks, with around 85% of coal evacuated through eco-friendly modes.
The company is expanding its FMC capacity to 129.5 million tonnes per year by 2026. Environmental protection is a core priority, with extensive land reclamation, plantation of over 27 million trees, development of eco-parks, and adoption of modern dust suppression and air-and-water monitoring systems. NCL has also commissioned a 50 MW solar power plant at Nigahi as part of its green energy roadmap.
NCL supports more than 13,000 employees and over 33,000 contract workers, providing modern housing, water supply systems, medical facilities, schools, shopping complexes, and recreational amenities. Healthcare services include the 150-bed Nehru Shatabdi Hospital and multiple dispensaries and mobile units. The company also promotes skill development through the Central Excavation Training Institute, which uses modern simulators for safe and efficient training. Financially, NCL is a strong contributor to national revenue, paying over ₹15,400 crore in taxes, duties, and royalties in FY 2024–25, making Singrauli one of the highest revenue-generating districts in Madhya Pradesh.
Safety remains a top priority, and NCL is certified under ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 for quality, environment, and occupational safety management. Through its CSR programs, NCL has transformed more than 200 villages and impacted over a million people by providing roads, schools, healthcare, drinking water, sports facilities, and electrification of over 10,000 tribal households. Major CSR projects include the Institute of Mining Technology, Divyang Rehabilitation Centre, and an Old Age Home in Varanasi. NCL’s vision is to become a global player in the energy sector by ensuring environmentally and socially sustainable growth, while its mission focuses on producing and marketing coal safely, efficiently, and responsibly. The company aims to continue contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat through responsible mining, technological advancement, and community development.