Odisha Coal and Power (OCPL) has emerged as the first government coal mining company in India to win a commercial coal block through competitive bidding.

The firm bagged the Tangardihi North block in Sundargarh district during the Ministry of Coal’s 12th tranche of auctions, marking a milestone in both OCPL’s expansion and Odisha’s energy independence. The partially explored block holds an estimated 1,100 million tonne of G-13 grade reserves, with nearly 400 million tonne of high-quality coal at a depth of 410 mtrs.

OCPL plans to initially produce 16 million tonne annually, scaling up to 50 million tonne by 2030, generating an expected turnover of Rs 10,000 crore. The project is estimated to create 2,500 direct and 3,000 indirect employment. OCPL already manages the Manoharpur and Dip Side Manoharpur coal blocks, supplying Odisha Power Generation Corporation’s Ib thermal plant. Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister KV Singh Deo said the acquisition will strengthen Odisha’s power security and boost industrial growth.