In a bid to increase mining capacity, Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) launched a new technology, Miner, on Wednesday in presence of Union Minister of Coal and Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi.

According to the Company the Miner will add a new chapter in the long history of Churi UG mines with commencement of mass production technology having capacity to produce up to 4000 tonne per day.

Earlier, the production at Churi UG was 4000 tonne per annum, after installation of the mass production technology through continuous miner production is expected to rise up to 5 lakh tonnes per annum. The coal reserve at Churi underground mine has low ash content with high heating capacity. Churi UG under NK Area of CCL has extractable coal reserve of 7.5 MT.

The Union Minister also visited Ashoka Project Mines under Piparwar Area of CCL. Joshi took stock of the day to know operation and challenges faced by the company.

 Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Joshi said that Government will go all the way to achieve 1 billion coal production at its earliest and end dependence on imported coal. “Government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi committed to help CCL and other coal companies to clear all the hurdles and challenges such as environmental clearance, authentication of land by state machinery and others,” he added.

Joshi was accompanied by Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD), CCL Gopal Singh, Functional Directors, Chief Vigilance Officer and other senior officials during his visit. On the first day of his visit the Union Minister chaired a review meeting along with the CMD, Functional Directors, CVO along with senior officials. During the review meeting, Joshi discussed in length on the performance as well as challenges faced by the company. He exhorted CCL management to make all round effort to boost coal production to register themselves in 100 million clubs as it has all the potential and resources to achieve it. The Union Minister assured to provide all help from both State Government and Centre Government.

Earlier, addressing the CCL workers during the “Shram Samman Samaroh” at CCL Bhawan, Joshi said Government is committed to strengthen Coal India. He appreciated the hard work and dedication of coal worker, which provides light to almost three fourth households of the country.

 “I salute the hard work and dedication of coal workers and their family, who work in one of the most difficult terrains in the remote part of the country,” said Joshi.

The Union Minister appreciated the various welfare and Corporate Social Responsibility projects of CCL under the leadership of the CMD, which has brought social transformation in the heartland of Jharkhand along with record breaking production and dispatch in last 5-6 years. He also felicitated CCL employees for their exemplary contribution towards the company during the function.

During the visit Joshi also dedicated a newly built “Musical Fountain Point” built by CCL to the people of Ranchi and inaugurated the new “CCL Bhawan”, a completely green building with four star GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) Rating with state of art auditorium, board rooms, meeting halls and office space.