Bharat Coking Coal Limited and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint development and operation of two coal blocks in West Bengal. This strategic partnership aims to enhance domestic coking coal production, supporting the Indian steel industry's raw material needs.

The agreement covers the Indikatta Ramnagore Coal Block owned by SAIL and the East of Damagoria (Kalyaneshwari) Coal Block operated by BCCL. By integrating operations, the two Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) seek to optimize resource utilization and increase output efficiency.

Operational Capacity and Reserves

The joint venture targets a combined Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of 4.0 million tonne per annum (MTPA). In Phase 1, the estimated extractable reserves are approximately 79 million tonnes. The operational plan involves integrated mining and overburden management, where mining will occur at the Kalyaneshwari block while dumping takes place at the Ramnagore block. In Phase 2, this sequence is expected to reverse.

Strategic Implications

This MoU represents a significant step toward strengthening cooperation between BCCL and SAIL. It aligns with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by securing raw material availability for the domestic steel sector. The initiative is designed to reduce reliance on imported coking coal by developing indigenous sources.

What the Numbers Show

The disclosed figures highlight a substantial immediate resource base alongside a defined production target. With 79 million tonnes of extractable reserves in Phase 1 against a combined annual capacity of 4.0 MTPA, the current reserve estimate supports approximately 19.75 years of production at peak rated capacity, assuming constant extraction rates and no new reserve additions during this phase.

Bharat Coking Coal Limited appointed Shri Manoj Kant Jha as General Manager (Finance) In-charge with effect from September 23, 2026. This change follows the transfer and release of the previous incumbent, Shri Masapogu Satya Raju, to another subsidiary of Coal India Limited.

The appointment was disclosed to stock exchanges under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Shri Jha assumes the role of Senior Management Personnel at BCCL, while Shri Raju ceases to hold this position within the company.

Profile of new appointee

Shri Manoj Kant Jha brings over three decades of experience in finance, accounts, and treasury management. He holds a B.Com (Hons), CMA, and LLB degree. Prior to joining Bharat Coking Coal Limited in September 2026, he served in various capacities at Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), and Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) since December 1995.

Leadership transition details

The transition marks a routine internal movement within the Coal India group, leveraging experienced personnel from other subsidiaries to fill key financial leadership roles at BCCL.