SECL signs agreement with TMC Mineral Resources to use paste fill technology for coal mining

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-21 07:40:00

South Eastern Coalfields (SECL) has signed a Rs70.4bn agreement with TMC Mineral Resources to implement paste fill technology at the Singhali underground coal mine in Chhattisgarh for the next 25 years. This move marks SECL as the first coal PSU in India to adopt this sustainable mining practice, expecting to yield 8.4mt of coal.

The paste fill technology uses industrial waste materials like fly ash to fill voids in the mine post-extraction, preventing land subsidence and maintaining structural integrity. SECL’s chairman believes this innovation will secure the future of underground mining and shape the coal industry towards eco-friendly practices. The method eliminates the need for surface land acquisition.

The Singhali mine, operational since 1993, houses 8.45mt of G-7 grade non-coking coal reserves. Traditional caving methods were not viable due to surface structures like villages and high-tension electricity lines. The paste fill technology allows mining to continue without disrupting these structures, setting a precedent for other mines facing similar constraints.

SECL’s implementation of paste fill technology at the Gevra mine in Korba, after securing environmental clearance in March 2024, further solidifies their commitment to sustainable mining practices. This innovative approach not only ensures efficient coal production but also promotes environmental sustainability and waste recycling in the industry.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: SECL signs $823m agreement for large-scale coal production utilising paste fill technology