In order to guarantee more consistency in coal quality, avoid human intervention, and greatly lessen consumer concerns about quality, state-run Coal India (CIL) is stepping up its mechanization and automation efforts.
Coal India accelerates mechanization and automation
The miner, which provides coal to the second-largest coal consumer in the world, is gradually increasing coal dispatches by integrating auto mechanical samplers with a silo-based mechanized loading system.
In accordance with the terms of the Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA), CIL facilitates sampling and testing through independent Third Party Sampling Agencies (TPSAs) to provide an unbiased, transparent, and reliable assessment of coal quality.
Independent sampling and quality assurance framework
At the moment, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has appointed eleven TPSAs to conduct sampling and analysis at CIL’s subsidiary firms’ coal loading locations. For quality evaluation, coal users are free to choose any TPSA among the PFC-empaneled organizations.
TPSAs analyzed about 375 million tonnes (MT) of coal that CIL shipped via rail during 9M FY26. Of this, half of the dispatches went through silos with automated mechanical samplers installed to guarantee strict coal quality process control.
Silo-based dispatch and automation progress
In the current fiscal year, the miner plans to raise this amount to about 80%.
The commissioning of new first mile connection (FMC) projects and loading through silos are being strictly adhered to in an effort to meet this challenging goal.
First mile connectivity and infrastructure expansion
With a total capacity of 843 MT per annum (MTPA), the FMC push consists of 72 identified projects that will require an estimated Rs 27,750 crore to construct over four phases.
According to TPSAs and referee labs’ coal quality sample research, CIL’s total grade conformance has increased to 85% until December 2025. During the same time last year, the percentage was 82%.
Improving grade conformance through technology
CIL’s enhanced attempts to load silos will increase conformance even further. In order to get real-time quality evaluation results, it has also taken action to implement online analysis at two of its subsidiaries. The goal of the action is to further encourage technology use and sampling transparency.
CIL emphasized in its FY25 annual report that enhancing coal quality through beneficiation and innovative separation technologies are among its top research goals.
Strategic reforms and digital transformation
In order to increase productivity, lessen the impact on the environment, and diversify sources of income, it has also started a number of structural, operational, and digital reforms.
In addition to supporting long-term objectives in renewable energy, gasification, and carbon reduction, the miner is concentrating on enhancing loading infrastructure, digital mine management, coal quality, and internal process efficiency.
Advanced monitoring and washery initiatives
With an integrated command and control center (ICCC) at Western Coalfields (WCL), CIL has developed a cutting-edge, round-the-clock mine surveillance system that allows it to continuously monitor operational hotspots and receive real-time updates. This improves asset protection, facilitates early incident identification, and speeds up reaction times.
The mining giant has put in place India’s largest non-coking washery with a capacity of 10 MTPA to guarantee coal quality, which will increase yield, reduce ash, and improve combustion for clients.
Innovative washery monetization model
Bharat Coking Coal (BCCL) introduced the Dugda Washery monetization, the first O&M (operation & maintenance) concession washery concept that lowers capital intensity and increases third-party efficiency.
⚙️ Coal Quality Automation Highlights
- Operator: Coal India Limited (CIL)
- Technology: Silo-based loading with auto mechanical samplers
- Rail Dispatch Analyzed: 375 MT during 9M FY26
- Automation Share: ~50%, targeted to rise to 80%
- Benefit: Reduced human intervention and higher grade conformance
🏗️ FMC Projects & Infrastructure Scale-Up
- Total FMC Projects: 72 identified
- Total Capacity: 843 MTPA
- Estimated Investment: Rs 27,750 crore
- Execution: Planned across four phases
- Objective: Faster evacuation and consistent coal quality
Frequently asked questions
1. How does Coal India guarantee a constant level of coal quality?
To minimize human involvement and uphold high standards of quality, Coal India (CIL) uses automation and mechanization, such as silo-based loading systems combined with auto mechanical samplers. Precise quality monitoring is further ensured by real-time online analysis at specific subsidiaries.
2. What function do TPSAs (Third Party Sampling Agencies) serve?
TPSAs conduct impartial coal sampling and testing at loading locations under the authority of the Power Finance Corporation (PFC). In accordance with Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) regulations, consumers can choose the TPSA of their choice, guaranteeing unbiased and transparent quality verification.
3. What is the amount of coal that automated systems are shipping?
About half of the 375 million tonnes of coal that CIL shipped by rail in the first nine months of FY26 used silo-based loading systems with auto samplers. In the current fiscal year, CIL hopes to raise this to over 80% of dispatches.
4. What advancements in infrastructure facilitate this automation push?
With a total capacity of 843 MTPA, CIL is executing 72 first mile connectivity (FMC) projects that will cost an estimated Rs 27,750 crore. Additionally, it has built the largest non-coking washery in India (10 MTPA) and a round-the-clock Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC) for operational monitoring.
5. In what ways has quality conformance evolved over time?
According to TPSA and referee lab analyses, CIL’s overall grade conformance increased from 82% in the prior year to 85% through December 2025. Consumer coal quality is anticipated to be further improved by improved silo loading, online analysis, and washery operations.
Conclusion
To guarantee consistent and transparent coal quality, Coal India is strategically combining mechanization, automation, and independent quality tests.
In addition to enhancing operational effectiveness and environmental compliance, CIL is supporting long-term objectives in renewable energy, gasification, and carbon reduction through silo-based loading, online analysis, sophisticated washeries, and significant infrastructure projects.
This technology-driven strategy puts CIL in a position to satisfy rising coal demand while upholding excellent standards for its clients.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on publicly available sources and reports. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice.
