BCCL has revived its long-closed PB (Pootkee Balihari) Project coal mine in Dhanbad under the MDO model, marking the first such operational mine in Coal India’s ecosystem. Awarded to Eagle Infra, the project aims to boost domestic coking coal production and support India’s steel and infrastructure sectors.
In a major milestone for India’s coal sector, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has restarted production from its long-closed Pootkee Balihari (PB) Project in Dhanbad, using the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model. This is the first mine under Coal India Limited (CIL) to begin operations under the MDO framework, making it a significant step towards modern and sustainable mining in India. The project has been awarded to Eagle Infra India Limited for a period of 25 years, with an estimated coal production of 52 million tonnes over its lifetime. The mine will operate at a peak rated capacity of 2.7 million tonnes per year, and is expected to supply critical coking coal for India’s steel and infrastructure sectors.
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A Big Push to India’s Steel Sector
Coking coal is an essential raw material for steel production, and India heavily relies on imports to meet its growing demand. The revival of the PB Project is seen as a big step under the Government’s Mission Coking Coal, which aims to enhance domestic coal output and reduce dependence on foreign supply. This project also supports Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by turning unused legacy coal assets into productive mines through private partnership and modern mining technology.
Speaking at the virtual inauguration ceremony, Coal India Chairman Shri P.M. Prasad praised the PB Project as a “pioneering initiative”, calling it much more than just restarting an old mine. He highlighted how the project showcases the potential to transform legacy challenges into national opportunities, create local employment, and empower communities.
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BCCL Chairman & Managing Director Shri Samiran Dutta, who chaired the event on-site, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited, and other stakeholders. He mentioned that the project is a model for future mine development and aligns perfectly with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Senior officials including Shri Murli Krishna Ramaiah (Director – HR), Shri S.K. Singh (Director – Technical, Operations), and Shri Manoj Kumar Agarwal (Director – Technical, Project & Planning) were also present, along with representatives from Eagle Infra.
The restart of the PB Project under the MDO model is not just a win for BCCL but a significant move for India’s entire coal sector. It sets a precedent for how public-private partnerships can breathe new life into abandoned mines and support national growth goals.
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