Odisha’s OCPL Secures 1,100-MT Tangardihi Coal Block
Landmark win to boost state’s energy independence, jobs, and industrial grow
Bhubaneswar : State-owned Odisha Coal and Power Limited (OCPL) has achieved a historic milestone by winning the Tangardihi North coal block in Sundargarh district during the 12th tranche of auctions conducted by the Ministry of Coal. With this win, OCPL becomes the first state-owned coal mining company in India to secure a commercial coal block through a transparent and competitive bidding process.
The Tangardihi North coal block is a partially explored mine with estimated reserves of 1,100 million tonnes of G-13 grade coal. Of this, nearly 400 million tonnes of high-quality coal lies within a depth of 410 metres. According to OCPL officials, this resource will play a critical role in strengthening Odisha’s energy security and supporting the state’s industrial growth.
“The Tangardihi block will significantly contribute to meeting Odisha’s rising energy demand and create long-term economic benefits,” an official said.
OCPL already operates two coal blocks — Manoharpur and Dip Side of Manoharpur — with combined geological reserves of 978.47 million tonnes and mineable reserves of 664.23 million tonnes. Coal extracted from these mines currently fuels the Ib Thermal Power Station (2×210 MW + 2×660 MW) operated by Odisha Power Generation Corporation Limited (OPGC) at Banharipali in Jharsuguda district.
At present, the Manoharpur mine has a production capacity of 16 million tonnes per annum. With the addition of the Tangardihi North block, OCPL aims to scale up production substantially in the coming years.
The state coal company has ambitious plans for the newly acquired block. Sources indicated that OCPL intends to produce 16 million tonnes of coal annually from Tangardihi in the initial phase and gradually increase production to 50 million tonnes per annum by 2030. This scale-up could generate an annual turnover of nearly Rs 10,000 crore.
In terms of employment, the project is expected to create 2,500 direct jobs and an additional 3,000 indirect jobs in the Sundargarh region, providing a much-needed boost to local livelihoods and socio-economic development.
Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister KV Singh Deo welcomed the achievement, calling it a proud moment for both OCPL and the state. “Winning the Tangardihi North block aligns with our strategic vision to position Odisha as a key player in India’s coal sector while ensuring responsible mining and sustainability. This block will not only meet the growing energy needs of Odisha but also strengthen the country’s energy security,” he said.
Singh Deo further highlighted that the coal block would play a pivotal role in ensuring Odisha’s power independence, creating new job opportunities, and giving a major push to the state’s industrial development.
The Ministry of Coal conducted the commercial coal block auction under a transparent, competitive framework. The process attracted strong participation from both public and private sector companies. OCPL’s success in this round underscores the growing capability of state-owned enterprises to compete effectively with private players in India’s rapidly evolving coal sector.
OCPL officials emphasized that the company remains committed to balancing growth with environmental responsibility. The focus will be on adopting modern mining technologies, maintaining ecological safeguards, and ensuring community participation in development activities around mining areas.
With the Tangardihi North block under its belt, OCPL is poised to emerge as a major contributor to Odisha’s energy sector and a significant player in India’s coal industry. The acquisition strengthens the state’s ability to ensure stable power supply, drive industrial growth, and support employment generation, while also marking a turning point in India’s commercial coal mining landscape.
The success of OCPL highlights Odisha’s growing leadership in energy and resource management, setting the stage for long-term economic growth and energy resilience.
