Coal Miners are pillar of India’s energy security, economic growth: Uday Anant Kaole, CMD, MCL
Team News Riveting
Sambalpur, May 2
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) marked Miners Day with grandeur and heartfelt tributes, honouring the tireless efforts of coal miners who continue to fuel the nation’s progress.
The celebrations were held at the Lakhanpur Area in Jharsuguda district on May 1, drawing participation from the company’s top leadership and stakeholders.
Uday Anant Kaole, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), participated in the celebrations along with Functional Directors Keshav Rao, Director (HR), J K Borah (Technical/Operations), A K Behura (Finance) and Chief Vigilance Officer P K Patel. Members of the Joint Consultative Committee (Apex) were also present on the dais, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the event.
In his address, Kaole congratulated Team MCL for its record-breaking performance in coal production, despatch and overburden (OB) removal in the fiscal year 2024–25.
“With your unwavering dedication, MCL has emerged as the leading coal producer in the country. We are proud to be the only company to cross the 200 million tonne milestone in both coal production and despatch,” he said, attributing the success to the relentless hardwork of coal miners.
The CMD also lauded the Indian Railways for its support, enabling MCL to despatch a record 210 million tonnes of coal to consumers—marking a 15 per cent growth in coal transportation through rail mode.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the excellent coordination and support from the Railways,” Shri Kaole added.
“For the first time, we at MCL are regulating coal production and focusing on quality and efficient despatch to consumers, as we alone have a coal stock of 36 million tonnes,” he informed.
With coal production stabilised, the company is now accelerating its diversification initiatives. “We are actively pursuing projects in solar, wind, ammonium nitrate and thermal power generation, aligning with future needs,” Kaole said.
Emphasising MCL’s role as the largest CSR contributor in Odisha, the CMD reiterated the company’s commitment in building sustainable social infrastructure for the benefit of the state’s communities.
On this occasion, the dignitaries gave away awards of excellence to the best performing Area and Projects of the company, employees for their outstanding performance during financial year 2024-25.
Integrated Lilari-Belpahar-Lakhanpur (LBL) Opencast project, Lakhanpur Arae stood as the best performing opencast project, Hirakud-Bundia underground mines, Orient Area won the best performing underground project.
Lakhanpur Arae was awarded with the coveted Malpuri Trophy for Best Area in overall performance.
A total of 87 prizes in various categories, including individual prizes, were given away to employees and contractor’s workers.
