THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, July 11: Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has taken a significant step towards modernising India’s coal beneficiation infrastructure with the signing of a landmark agreement for the development of the New Kathara Coking Coal Washery under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model.
This is the first project within CIL to adopt the BOO framework, marking a notable shift in approach and reinforcing CCL’s strategic focus on enhancing the quality of domestic coking coal. The initiative is designed to support India’s steel and metallurgical industries while advancing the country’s goal of self-reliance in key resources.
Strategic Partnership with GCML Sealed
The contract was signed on 10 July 2025 between CCL and M/S Global Coal and Mining Pvt. Ltd. (GCML), a leading player in coal beneficiation. Signing on behalf of CCL were Shri Suresh Talankar, General Manager of the Coal Washery Construction Division, and Shri Sanjay Kumar, General Manager of the Kathara Area. The Managing Director of GCML represented the company.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior leadership from CCL, including Nilendu Kumar Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director; Pawan Kumar Mishra, Director (Finance); and Harsh Nath Mishra, Director (Personnel).
The New Kathara Washery, to be built in the Kathara Area of Bokaro district, Jharkhand, will have a planned capacity of 3.00 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA). The project, with an estimated investment of ₹380 crore, forms part of CCL’s broader capacity expansion and operational modernisation programme.
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Once operational, the washery will significantly improve the quality of raw coal by reducing ash content, making it more suitable for use in steel manufacturing. The project is also expected to generate local employment and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
Guidance for the project’s execution is being provided by Shri Shankar Nagarchi, Director Technical (Project & Planning), and Chandrashekhar Tiwari, Director Technical (Operations), CCL. The facility is scheduled for completion within 36 months.
Speaking at the event, CMD Nilendu Kumar Singh commented: “The New Kathara Washery Project reflects our sustained commitment to delivering high-quality coal, enhancing operational efficiency, and adding value for all stakeholders. This initiative not only strengthens the domestic supply chain for coking coal but also aligns with the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. We are proud to lead this transformation.”
Under Singh’s leadership, CCL is also moving forward with the development of four additional washeries to further expand its coal beneficiation capacity.
