Coal Minister takes stock of mining Operations at Gevra – The World’s Second Largest Coal Mine
Team News Riveting
Raipur, April 10
Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy on Thursday visited SECL’s Gevra mine—the world’s second largest coal mine—in Korba district of Chhattisgarh.
The Minister was accorded a Guard of Honour by the CISF security contingent at Gevra House. At the mine view point, the Gevra team briefed him on operational highlights through a detailed presentation. Shri Reddy felicitated miners, including women, and lauded their tireless efforts in ensuring round-the-clock coal production for India’s energy security.
He personally descended into the mine to witness first-hand the advanced operations, including the use of mega machinery like the 42-cubic-meter shovel and 240-ton dumper, among the largest HEMMs used globally. He observed coal extraction using blast-free surface miner technology and visited the state-of-the-art Silos developed under the First Mile Connectivity initiative for eco-friendly coal transportation.
The Minister also interacted with machine operators inside their equipment, boosting the morale of the workforce. Workers were visibly elated to be acknowledged directly by the Union Minister.
In a key highlight of his visit, the Minister shared lunch with coal workers at their canteen and clicked selfie with them, underscoring his deep appreciation for their invaluable contribution.
Reddy further visited the Miyawaki plantation pilot site at Gevra, where afforestation has been undertaken using the revolutionary Japanese technique and planted saplings. He also inaugurated the Kalyan Mandap—a modern facility for employee events—underlining the Ministry and SECL’s commitment to employee welfare.
Reddy highlighted the coal sector’s vital role in powering the nation, noting that over 70% of India’s electricity is generated from coal. He stressed the importance of pursuing sustainability in mining operations and accelerating mine closures with a well-defined action plan.
Acknowledging Gevra’s significant role in meeting the country’s energy needs, the Minister remarked that Gevra is the pride of our country. He said while one may manage to wait for food for sometime but waiting for electricity is indispensable—and it is the coal miners who make that uninterrupted power possible.
During the visit, Chairman of Coal India Ltd, P M Prasad, Joint Secretary Ministry of Coal B P Pati and SECL CMD Harish Duhan, along with senior officials, accompanied the Minister throughout the program.
