In a significant push to bolster India's energy security, the Chairman and Managing Director of National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC), Gurdeep Singh, has set an ambitious new production target for the company's mining arm. Speaking virtually at a major national mining conference in Ranchi, Singh emphasized the need to dramatically scale up coal output.
Ambitious Targets Unveiled at Stratum 2025
The directive was delivered during the inaugural session of Stratum 2025, a two-day national mining conference organized by NTPC Mining Limited (NML) in Ranchi. The event, which commenced on Monday, serves as a crucial platform focusing on strategic transformation, resource acquisition, and technological upgradation within the mining sector. Officials stated that the conference fosters knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaborative dialogue among industry stakeholders.
Outlining his vision, CMD Gurdeep Singh stated, "There is a need to enhance production from the current target of 30 million tonnes per annum to 100 million tonnes per annum." This represents a more than threefold increase from the existing goal, marking a bold step for NML. He further asserted that there was no reason why NML should not become one of the top coal mining companies in the country.
Beyond Coal: Diversification and Logistics
Singh's address went beyond just coal volume. He highlighted the importance of diversification within NML's mining portfolio. Exploration of other mineral resources, particularly critical minerals, was underscored as a vital strategic move. This aligns with the national focus on securing supply chains for minerals essential for renewable energy, electronics, and defense.
The CMD also pointed to logistical challenges, identifying coal dispatch systems as an area of concern. He revealed that high-level discussions have already been initiated to address these bottlenecks, involving the Railway Chairman and a Group of Ministers to streamline transportation and ensure efficient supply from mine to plant.
Future-Proofing with Cleaner Initiatives
Integrating the coal production vision with NTPC's broader energy transition strategy, Singh touched upon key future-oriented initiatives. He mentioned ongoing efforts in coal gasification and carbon sequestration technologies. These initiatives are part of NTPC's commitment to adopting cleaner methods of utilizing fossil fuels while working towards long-term sustainability goals.
The Stratum 2025 conference, through such high-level announcements and discussions, sets the stage for a transformative phase in NTPC's mining operations, aiming for enhanced scale, diversification, and technological integration.
