TFP Bureau, November 2, 2024: Coal India Limited (CIL), the state-owned coal mining behemoth, marked its 50th anniversary on November 1, celebrating half a century of powering India’s energy needs. Founded in 1975, CIL was established as an apex holding company overseeing the nationalized coking and non-coking coal mines of the early 1970s. Since then, the company has grown from a modest 89 million tonnes of production in 1975-76 to an impressive 773.6 million tonnes at the close of FY 2024 — an 8.7-fold increase.
Despite its workforce decreasing from 675,000 employees during the early years to around 225,000 today, CIL’s production has surged. With 80% of its supply dedicated to coal-fired power plants at competitive rates, CIL plays a crucial role in providing affordable power to millions across India.
Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy extended his congratulations, stating, “As Coal India enters its Golden Jubilee Year with many milestones achieved, I extend my best wishes. Indigenous coal production is crucial to reducing costly imports, and CIL must continue to ramp up its output with a balanced focus on social responsibility, welfare, and safety.”
In recent years, CIL has expanded its vision beyond coal production, diversifying into solar power, pithead power plants, coal gasification, and critical minerals. From challenges and transformations to remarkable growth, CIL’s five-decade journey underscores its resilience and evolving role in India’s energy landscape.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations, including the J.B. Kumaramangalam Memorial Lecture and awards ceremony, will take place on November 3 in Kolkata, with the Coal Minister as Chief Guest and Coal Secretary as Guest of Honour.
