New Delhi, Aug 24: Talabira II & III Open Cast Coal Mine in Odisha has achieved its highest-ever production and dispatch figures, strengthening domestic coal availability and supporting power generation across several states.
The mine produced 19.14 million tonnes of coal and dispatched 17.69 million tonnes during FY 2025-26, according to the Ministry of Coal. The performance marks another important step in the government’s efforts to increase domestic coal production and strengthen the country’s energy security.
Located across Sambalpur and Jharsuguda districts, Talabira II & III has maintained strong growth since production began. Coal production increased by 11.28 per cent year-on-year, while the mine recorded its highest daily output of 126,138.07 tonnes on March 21, 2026.
The mine also achieved its highest monthly production of 3.39 million tonnes in March 2026, reflecting the growing capacity of the operation to meet rising domestic energy requirements.
Talabira II & III was allocated to NLC India Ltd. in May 2016 under the government’s Nominated Authority framework for coal block allocation. Since then, the mine has become an important source of coal for power plants in different parts of the country.
Coal from the mine is supplied to power generating facilities including NTPC Darlipali, NTPC Gadarwara, NTPC Khargone and NTPC Kudgi, along with other plants across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
The mine’s cumulative production has now reached 72.23 million tonnes, while cumulative dispatch stood at 70.89 million tonnes as of August 14, 2026.
Technology has played an important role in improving the mine’s efficiency. Its Digital Logistics Management System uses RFID-based vehicle verification, AI-enabled cameras and automated entry and exit systems to monitor the movement of coal.
The system has significantly reduced the time required for vehicle processing and weighing. Average entry-gate processing time has fallen from 1.42 minutes to 0.54 minutes, while tare weighment time has declined from 1.34 minutes to 0.48 minutes.
The mine also uses modern equipment and technology including surface miners with dust suppression systems, GPS-based fleet management, geo-fencing, drone surveys and digital monitoring systems. These measures are aimed at improving productivity while maintaining operational and environmental standards.
Safety remains another major focus at the mine. No fatal accident has been reported since the mine began operations. Safety initiatives include regular training, improved traffic management, protective equipment, stronger blasting procedures and digital reporting of near-miss incidents.
The project is also contributing to local employment and economic activity. It currently supports around 3,277 employment opportunities, including 1,277 direct jobs and about 2,000 indirect opportunities linked to transportation and other allied activities.
The strong performance of Talabira II & III highlights the growing role of domestic coal production in meeting India’s energy requirements. With higher output, improved technology, strong safety practices and employment generation, the mine is emerging as an important contributor to Odisha’s economy and the country’s broader energy security efforts.