New Delhi: The Gevra and Kusmunda coal blocks in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh and owned by the South Eastern Coalfields have achieved significant recognition. According to a report by WorldAtlas.com, these two coal mines rank second and fourth in the global list of the largest coal mines based on production volume. Together, they contribute to the annual production of over 100 million tonnes (MT) of coal, making up approximately 10 per cent of India’s total coal output, as confirmed by a statement from South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL). Let us look at the top 10 largest coal mines in the world.
10 largest coal mines in the world
Black Thunder Mine, United States
Gevra OC Mine, Chhattisgarh, India
North Antelope Rochelle Mine, United States
Kusmunda OC Mine, Chhattisgarh, India
Northern Shaanxi Mine, China
Sangatta Mine, Indonesia
Belchatow Mine, Poland
FTB Project, Indonesia
Tutupan Mine, Indonesia
Borneo Indobara Mine, Indonesia
Gevra OC Mine, Chhattisgarh, India
The Gevra Opencast Coal Mine, located in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh, is owned by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of the state-run Coal India. This significant mine is a major contributor to India’s coal production, estimated to yield around 60 million tonnes annually, solidifying its position as the largest coal mine in the country. Situated in an area known for its abundant Bituminous coal reserves, the Gevra OC Mine plays a crucial role in meeting the nation’s energy demands due to the high heating capacity of this type of coal.
Since its inception in 1981, the Gevra OC Mine has been vital to India’s coal mining industry. In recognition of its pivotal role, the mine was granted environmental clearance in 2024, paving the way for a significant expansion. With this expansion, the mine’s production capacity is set to increase to 70 million tons annually, ensuring its continued role in meeting India’s energy needs until at least 2036.
Kusmunda OC Mine, Chhattisgarh, India
The Kusmunda OC Mine, located in the central region of India, specifically within the Chhattisgarh State, in the south-central part of the Korba Coalfields, is a mine with a promising future. Like the Gevra OC Mine, Kusmunda is under the ownership of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of the state-run Coal India. In 2023, Kusmunda is projected to produce approximately 50 million tonnes (mt) of coal, solidifying its position as the second-largest coal mine in India. This mine specialises in producing bituminous coal, a medium-grade type and the most widely abundant form globally. Having commenced operations in 1979, Kusmunda is one of India’s largest coal mines and is expected to remain operational until 2036, with potential for further growth and development.
Coal Production
When burned, coal produces heat and light energy. Various ancient civilisations used it, and its use skyrocketed during the Industrial Revolution. Despite environmental concerns, coal still accounts for about 35.5 per cent of the global power mix. China is the largest consumer of coal globally, accounting for over 50 per cent of worldwide consumption. The United States has the largest coal reserves, holding one-fourth of the world’s known coal, including two of the largest coal mines by reserves. Here are the top ten largest coal mines worldwide.
Chhattisgarh-based Coal India subsidiary South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) Gevra and Kusmunda coal mines have achieved the 2nd and 4th positions, respectively, in the list of the world’s ten largest coal mines, as per WorldAtlas.com. In this article, let us look at the list of the world’s top ten largest coal mines. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge