India’s coal sector is ramping up production at a breathtaking pace, with output reaching 1.048 billion tonnes in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The government aims to hit 1.3 billion tonnes by 2027 and 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030, driven by energy security and a desire to cut imports. But as surface mining reaches its limits, the country is turning to underground operations – and Poland’s hard-won expertise could be the key.
The Indian coal market is dominated by state-owned Coal India Limited, the world’s largest coal mining company. Founded in 1975 with an output of 79 million tonnes, it now produces 781 million tonnes annually. To meet soaring domestic demand, New Delhi plans to open around 100 new coal mines, with a special focus on expanding underground extraction.
– Poland has enormous competences in underground mining. We can operate at great depths, in difficult conditions, while maintaining high safety standards – says Piotr Kańtoch, vice-president of the board and director of development at Grupa Powen-Wafapomp. – This is knowledge that can and should be exported. A good example is India. Surface mining there is reaching its limits, and the natural direction is the development of deep mines. India is actively seeking partners.
India’s coal production soars
Coal is the backbone of India’s economy, powering key sectors like electricity generation, steelmaking, and cement production. However, the country’s reserves of coking coal – essential for steel – remain limited, making imports necessary. To address this, the Ministry of Coal launched the Mission Coking Coal programme, targeting domestic production of 149 million tonnes of coking coal by fiscal year 2029-2030.
This push is expected to trigger a wave of new metallurgical coal projects. For now, India imports coking coal and looks for opportunities to invest in foreign mines. At the same time, the government has set a goal of extracting 100 million tonnes from underground mines by 2030, a tenfold increase from current levels, where underground mining accounts for less than 10% of total output.
The shift to underground mining
Coal India announced in June 2024 plans to reopen more than 30 old mines. The move is part of a broader strategy to boost short-term production and prepare for a future where open-pit reserves are exhausted. The shift towards underground mining is not just a technical challenge – it is also a huge opportunity for foreign firms with proven expertise.
– Polish mining competences are currently sought after in India. And we are losing these competences – warns Bogusław Ziętek, chairman of the Sierpień 80 trade union. His words echo concerns that Poland’s domestic mining industry, facing transition pressures, may let its hard-won know-how slip away just when demand for it abroad is rising.
The future of the mining, raw materials and industrial sectors will be discussed at the Future Mining Forum & Expo, to be held on 9-11 September at the International Congress Centre in Katowice.
Polish expertise in demand
Poland’s underground mining sector has decades of experience in extracting coal from deep seams, often under challenging geological conditions. This expertise is increasingly rare on a global scale. Indian companies, state-owned and private alike, are looking for partners who can help them design, equip, and operate deep mines safely and efficiently.
– We can design and deliver complete mine drainage systems, hoisting equipment, and automation solutions – adds Piotr Kańtoch. – Grupa Powen-Wafapomp is already active on international markets, and India could become a key growth area for us. But we need to act fast, before other players capture the market.
The question for Poland is whether the country can retain and leverage its mining know-how to forge a new industrial export niche. While the domestic coal industry contracts, the global market for underground mining technology and services – particularly in Asia – is expanding. The answer may determine not only the future of Polish mining companies, but also the country’s position in the global energy supply chain.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Parilov / Shutterstock
