Asia’s Largest Coal Mine in Gevra

Gevra Becomes Asia’s Largest Coal Mine

South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) Gevra mine, located in Chhattisgarh’s Korba coalfield, was recently granted environmental clearance by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to expand coal production from 52.5 million tonnes per annum to 70 million tonnes—solidifying its status as Asia’s largest coal mine.

Strategic Expansion & Energy Security

• The Ministry of Coal coordinated closely with MoEFCC to facilitate fast‑track approval, underscoring Gevra’s importance to India’s energy security .

• At 10 km long and 4 km wide, the massive opencast mine has been operational for over four decades and is a coal production powerhouse.

Cutting‑Edge Technology & Sustainable Mining

• Gevra employs blast‑free mining using Surface Miners and Ripper Mining technology—an eco‑friendly shift from traditional practices.

• High-capacity HEMM fleet (42 Cu.m shovels, 240‑ton dumpers) supports efficient overburden removal.

• First‑mile connectivity infrastructure like conveyor belts, silos, and rapid loaders optimize coal evacuation and reduce emissions.

Environmental Safeguards & Air Quality Management

• Effective air quality management encompasses wet drilling, dust suppression, and ongoing ambient air monitoring.

• The mine enforces land reclamation, afforestation, and water conservation as part of its sustainable mining operations.

Socio‑Economic Benefits

• The capacity ramp-up brings major socio‑economic impacts—creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

• SECL emphasizes stakeholder engagement, aligning operations with community welfare and regional development goals.

Balancing Growth with Responsibility

India's Commitment to Eco‑Friendly Mining

• This expansion aligns with Coal India's and SECL's broader drive towards sustainable mining solutions, guided by the Ministry of Coal and MoEFCC policies.

Addressing Pollution Challenges

• The Korba region is a known pollution hotspot, prompting intensified dust control and air monitoring efforts in nearby mines.

In Summary

• After getting permission from the government, Gevra is now Asia's largest coal mine, with a capacity of 70 MT.

• Its expansion highlights coal mine expansion, sustainable mining, and high-end investments in surface mminingand HEMM technologies.

• It showcases best practices in air quality management, first‑mile connectivity, and eco‑friendly mining, all backed by MoEFCC oversight.

• The project is a major boost to coal production capacity, employment generation, and regional energy infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

The expansion of the Gevra mine into Asia’s largest coal mine marks a major milestone in India’s energy journey. Backed by the Ministry of Coal and MoEFCC, this project reflects the country’s commitment to balancing energy security with environmental sustainability.

By adopting advanced, eco-friendly mining technologies and prioritizing community development, the Gevra mine sets a new standard for responsible coal production. It’s not just about increasing output—it's about building a future where sustainable mining powers inclusive growth and long-term national progress.