Coal India’s arm to restart operations at six mines in Odisha

Coal India’s subsidiary Mahanadi Coalfields (MCL), is likely to restart operations at six mines in the Orient area of Ib Valley in Odisha within a week. MCL has approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay order against closure of the mines by the Odisha Government.

The order issued to the deputy director of mines accused MCL of operating the mines without necessary environment clearances. Of the six mines, Lajkura is a small open-cast asset and, the rest are underground mines, operating for nearly a century.

Coal India has planned Rs 59,400 crore capex programme for the current Five Year Plan period ending March, 2017 including Rs 25,000 crore for overseas acquisitions.