Coal India Limited (CIL) has issued letters of acceptance for seven coal projects to be pursued through engagement of Mine Developer and operators (MDO). Cumulatively, these projects have production capacity of close to 100 million tonne per year (MT/Y). The intent of engaging MDOs through open global tenders is to increase domestic coal output and reduce import dependency to extent possible.

Of these seven projects, three belong to CCL and two to MCL. SECL and ECL account for a solitary project each. Two of the projects, Siarmal open cast project (OCP) of MCL, Odisha having 50 MT/Y output capacity and Hura `C' OCP of ECL, West Bengal of 3 MT/Y capacity are expected to start mining operations during the ongoing financial year.

The contract period of engagement is for 25 years or life of mine whichever is less. Having total rated capacity of around 169 MT/Y eleven of, the total fifteen projects, are opencast and four underground. While the capacity of OC projects is secured at 165 MTY, UG projects add up to the rest.