India's coal production crosses 1 billion tonnes for the first time in a financial year
India's coal production crossed one billion tonnes in 2024-25 on 20 March 2025, 11 days earlier than the previous year's total of 997.83 million tonnes was reached.
Summary
India's coal production surpassed one billion tonnes on 20 March 2025 in the financial year 2024-25, the Ministry of Coal said, 11 days ahead of the previous fiscal's total production of 997.83 million tonnes. The ministry credited coal PSUs, private players and about 5 lakh workers across more than 350 mines. Coal meets about 55% of India's energy mix, and about 74% of the country's electricity comes from coal-based plants. The ministry said reforms such as commercial auctioning of coal blocks raised domestic supply, and coal imports fell 8.4% in April–December 2024, saving about $5.43 billion in foreign exchange. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the milestone.
Key facts
- Date
- 20 March 2025
- Milestone
- 1 billion tonnes in FY 2024-25
- Previous year
- 997.83 MT in FY 2023-24
- Share of energy mix
- About 55%
- Share of electricity
- About 74% from coal plants
- Imports
- Down 8.4% in Apr–Dec 2024, $5.43 bn saved
Practice MCQs 4 questions
On which date did India's coal production cross one billion tonnes in the financial year 2024-25?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 20 March 2025
The Ministry of Coal said production crossed 1 BT on 20 March 2025.
What was India's total coal production in FY 2023-24, which was surpassed in March 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 997.83 MT
The 1 BT milestone came 11 days ahead of the previous fiscal's production of 997.83 million tonnes.
According to the Ministry of Coal in March 2025, about what share of India's electricity is generated by coal-based plants?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — About 74%
Around 74% of India's electricity is generated by coal-based power plants; coal is about 55% of the energy mix.
Consider the following statements made by the Ministry of Coal when coal output crossed 1 billion tonnes in March 2025: 1. Coal accounts for about 55% of India's energy mix. 2. India's coal imports rose during April–December 2024 compared with the previous year. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
The ministry said coal is about 55% of the energy mix, and that coal imports declined by 8.4% in April–December 2024, saving about $5.43 billion.