From Abandonment to Opportunity: BCCL Revives Legacy Coal Mine via MDO Model

Bhubaneawar8/7/25: In a major stride towards achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has successfully restarted coal production from its long-discontinued PB Project under the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model. This marks a historic moment for BCCL and the entire Coal India ecosystem, becoming the first operational MDO mine within the CIL group.

Awarded to Eagle Infra India Limited for 25 years, the PB Project will contribute 52 million tonnes (PRC-2.7MTY) of coal – primarily coking coal, over its lifecycle, a crucial input for India’s steel and infrastructure sectors.

This public-private initiative exemplifies India’s commitment to energy self-reliance by:

• Reviving legacy coal assets through private sector efficiency
• Reducing import dependency through enhanced domestic coking coal supply
• Introducing advanced mining technologies and best practices
• Generating employment and supporting regional economic development
• Ensuring transparent, sustainable, and productive resource utilization

Under the revenue-sharing model, BCCL will receive 6% of gross revenue, setting a benchmark for equitable and transparent mining partnerships.

Under the leadership of Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, and Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chander Dubey, with the strategic guidance of Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, this milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in CIL, where legacy assets are transformed into engines of opportunity, driving the nation toward self-reliance and sustainable growth

The inauguration event was graced virtually by Shri P.M. Prasad, Chairman, Coal India Limited, who lauded the project as a “pioneering step” and emphasized its transformative potential. He stated that revival of PB Project is more than just restarting a mine and is about transforming legacy challenges into national opportunities, empowering communities, and advancing toward a truly self-reliant India.

Shri Samiran Dutta, CMD, BCCL, along with Shri Murli Krishna Ramaiah, Director (HR); Shri S.K. Singh, Director (Technical) Operations; Shri Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Director (Technical), Project & Planning; and leadership from Eagle Infra Pvt. Ltd were also present on the occasion.

Shri Samiran Dutta, CMD, BCCL, expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited, and all stakeholders for their consistent support, reaffirming BCCL’s dedication to national goals including Mission Coking Coal, import reduction, and sustainable mining.