Coal India Limited Marks 50 Glorious Years of Operation

Coal India Limited (CIL), a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Coal, entered its 51st year of foundation on 1st November 2025, marking 50 years since its establishment on 1st November 1975.

Key Highlights:

• Formation:
  CIL was created as the apex holding company after the nationalisation of coking coal mines (1971) and non-coking coal mines (1973).
• Workforce:
  The company employs over 2.2 lakh personnel, making it one of the largest corporate employers in India.
• Production Growth:
  • Coal production rose almost tenfold over five decades — from 79 million tonnes (MTs) in 1975 to 781 MTs in FY 2025.
  • Coal supplies increased from 78 MTs to 763 MTs during the same period — a rise of 685 MTs.
• Diversification Initiatives:
  • Renewable Energy: CIL is setting up 3,000 MW of solar power capacity by FY 2028 (Phase I).
  • Fertilizer Sector: It has formed a joint venture (JV) with Hindustan Urvarak Rasayan Limited (HURL), holding a 30% stake to establish three mega fertilizer plants.
  • Coal Gasification: CIL is advancing projects in coal gasification and other cleaner technologies.
• Critical Mineral Ventures:
  • CIL is participating in domestic auctions of critical minerals organized by the Ministry of Mines.
  • The company is also exploring overseas acquisitions in Australia, Argentina, and Chile, focusing on lithium, graphite, and cobalt assets.
• Significance:
  Completing 50 years of service, Coal India Limited continues to be the backbone of India’s energy sector while steering towards sustainability and diversification for the future.

Source: PIB