SECL to become first coal PSU to use paste fill technology; ₹7,040 crore agreement for Singhali mine
South Eastern Coalfields Limited signed a ₹7,040 crore agreement with TMC Mineral Resources to mine the Singhali underground mine in Korba using paste fill technology, the Coal Ministry said on 18 April 2025.
Summary
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is set to become the first coal PSU in India to adopt paste fill technology, the Ministry of Coal said on 18 April 2025. SECL signed a ₹7,040 crore agreement with TMC Mineral Resources Private Limited to use the method at the Singhali underground mine in its Korba area, which is expected to produce about 8.4 million tonnes of coal over 25 years. In paste filling, mined-out voids are filled with a paste of fly ash, crushed overburden, cement, water and binding chemicals, which prevents land subsidence and avoids acquiring surface land. The surface above Singhali has villages, power lines and a PWD road.
Key facts
- Company
- South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)
- First
- First coal PSU to adopt paste fill technology
- Agreement
- ₹7,040 crore with TMC Mineral Resources Pvt Ltd
- Mine
- Singhali underground mine, Korba area
- Output
- ~8.4 million tonnes over 25 years
- Paste
- Fly ash, crushed overburden, cement, water, binders
Practice MCQs 3 questions
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is set to become the first coal PSU in India to adopt which mining technology?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Paste fill technology
Paste fill technology, under a ₹7,040 crore agreement for the Singhali underground mine.
Consider the following about SECL's paste fill project announced in April 2025: 1. It will be implemented at the Singhali underground mine in SECL's Korba area. 2. The paste used to fill mined-out voids includes fly ash and crushed overburden, which helps prevent land subsidence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of Coal release.
What is the value of the agreement SECL signed with TMC Mineral Resources for paste fill mining at the Singhali mine?
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Correct answer: D — ₹7,040 crore
₹7,040 crore: the agreement is for mining about 8.4 million tonnes over 25 years.