SE Coal eyes more blocks

South Eastern Coalfileds Ltd (SECL) has asked for 26 new coal blocks from the coal ministry to raise production by 20 million tonnes in the 11th Plan period.

"SECL is hopeful that the ministry will allot the blocks to help meet increased demand for coal," explained M K Thapar, chairman-cum-managing director of SECL, on the sidelines of IMME-2004.

At present, SECL's capacity stands at 111 million tonnes. Following allotment of 26 blocks, production can be raised by 20 million tonnes.

SECL has 28 projects under development to enhance production by 12 million tonnes.

"SECL will be investing close to Rs 2,000 crore in expansion projects in the next few years," he added.

SECL is expecting a Rs 1,800 crore profit before dividend and tax in 2004-05.

Turnover was expected to be Rs 5,000 crore. The Union coal and mines ministry was planning to modify the organisational structure of Coal India Ltd (CIL) to provide more power to subsidiaries to take decisions independently.

CIL would continue to remain as the holding company. CIL has seven coal-producing subsidiaries: Eastern Coalfields Ltd, Bharat Coking Coal Ltd, Central Coalfields Ltd, Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd, Northern Coalfields Ltd, Western Coalfields Ltd and South Eastern Coalfields Ltd.

CIL's other subsidiary, the Ranchi-based Central Mines Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI), will probably be made a centre of excellence.

The government has also given the green signal to expand the capacity of Rajmahal coal mines area of ECL from the present 10 million tonne (mt) to 17mt.