NEW DELHI: Coal India Limited has announced a major investment plan to bolster India’s coking coal processing capacity, aiming to enhance the quality of domestically produced coal and reduce dependence on imports.

CIL plans to invest approximately Rs. 3,300 crore to set up eight new coking coal washeries across the country.

The newly announced facilities are expected to be operational by FY 2030 and will collectively add a washing capacity of around 21.5 million tonnes per year (MT/Y).

In addition to new projects, the company will allocate about ₹300 crore for modernisation and renovation of existing washeries to improve efficiency and utilisation.

The eight washeries will be established through CIL’s subsidiaries: Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), with CCL responsible for five units (14.5 MT/Y capacity) and BCCL for three units (7 MT/Y capacity).

These new facilities will supplement CIL’s existing ten washeries, which currently have a combined capacity of around 18.35 MT/Y.

Coking coal — a key raw material for steel production — often contains high levels of ash in domestic supplies, making washing essential to meet industry quality standards. By expanding washing capacity, CIL aims to improve the quality of domestic output and reduce reliance on costly imports of low-ash coking coal.

Industry analysts view the move as a long-term structural initiative that could strengthen India’s metallurgical coal supply chain and support the domestic steel sector. Investment in washery infrastructure is seen as a strategic step in ensuring better utilisation of indigenous resources.

With the targeted commissioning by FY2030, the new facilities are expected to significantly enhance CIL’s processing capabilities, contributing to improved raw material quality for downstream industries and boosting domestic energy security.