Business EconomyPosted at: Nov 2 2026 6:51PM

New Delhi, Nov 2 (UNI) India's captive and commercial coal mines recorded a sharp increase in production in October 2026, with output rising 42 per cent year-on-year, reflecting higher contribution from domestic mining operations amid the country's growing energy requirements.
Coal production from these mines stood at 22.03 million tonnes (MT) during the month, compared with 15.49 MT in October 2025, according to data released by the Ministry of Coal on Monday. Coal dispatches also registered strong growth, increasing 36 pc to 21.11 MT from 15.48 MT in the year-ago period.
The growth momentum was also visible in the first seven months of the current financial year. Between April and October FY27, production from captive and commercial coal mines increased 11.3 pc to 117.23 MT, against 105.33 MT in the corresponding period last year.
Dispatches during the same period rose at a slightly faster pace of 11.53 pc to 124.86 MT, compared with 111.95 MT in April-October FY26.
The government expects the rising contribution of captive and commercial coal mines to help reduce India's reliance on imported coal, while strengthening domestic supply chains and limiting foreign exchange outflows. Higher domestic availability is also expected to improve the country's energy security and support industrial demand.
The Ministry of Coal said it would continue working towards sustaining the production trajectory by addressing operational and supply-related bottlenecks. Policy measures, regulatory monitoring and coordination with industry stakeholders will remain key areas of focus to ensure adequate coal availability for India's expanding energy and industrial sectors.
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