Western Coalfields Limited
A Miniratna Company
A Subsidiary of Coal India Limited
A Miniratna Company
A Subsidiary of Coal India Limited
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), a Mini Ratna Category-I company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Coal India Limited (a Maharatna company), operates under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India.
Established on November 1, 1975, with its headquarters in Nagpur, Maharashtra, WCL was one of the five original subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, tasked with operating coal mining activities across central India. Initially, its jurisdiction spanned Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. In January 1986, WCL was bifurcated, leading to the creation of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL). Post-bifurcation, SECL assumed control of 67 mines with an annual production of 30.71 million tonnes, while WCL retained 60 mines in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh with a production of 18.17 million tonnes per annum.
Western Coalfields Limited currently operates across Maharashtra and southwestern Madhya Pradesh, covering key coalfields such as Wardha Valley, Kamptee Series, Umrer Bander, Pench-Kanhan, and Pathakhera. To ensure better administrative oversight and operational efficiency, its mines are organized into ten distinct coal mining areas. As of April 1, 2025, WCL operates 47 mines, comprising 17 underground and 30 opencast mines. Notably, despite drawing on only 4.7% of India's geological coal resources, WCL contributes approximately 7% of the nation's total coal production. Its coal primarily supports power generation, while also serving critical industries such as cement, steel, chemicals, fertilizers, paper, and brick manufacturing.
As on 01st April 2025, WCL employs 32,261 personnel, with 2,062 executives and 30,199 non-executives supporting its mining operations.
At Western Coalfields Limited, safety and sustainability are central to all operations. The company leverages digital and automated technologies, including AI/ML-powered ICCC systems and drone-based surveillance, to enhance efficiency, safety, and transparency. Workforce and equipment safety in underground mines are prioritized through man-riding systems that reduce fatigue and improve efficiency, and Environmental Telemonitoring Systems (ETMS) for real-time tracking of critical parameters, including CO, CH₄, O₂, temperature, and air velocity. Awareness programs, supported by strengthened governance and continuous training, further foster a proactive safety culture. WCL is also implementing FMC projects, inducting Continuous Miners in underground operations, and deploying Surface Miners in opencast mines— reflecting its commitment to safe and productive mining practices.
Demonstrating industry leadership, the company won four DGMS National Safety Awards in FY 2024–25, gained international recognition at the Mines Rescue Competition in Colombia, and became the first CIL subsidiary to establish an all-women mine rescue team—milestones in both safety and inclusivity.
Western Coalfields Limited places a high priority on environmental protection, community engagement, and welfare through responsible mining and reclamation practices. The company integrates sustainability and diversification into its growth framework, emphasizing eco-friendly operations and digital monitoring systems to minimize ecological impact. WCL’s comprehensive CSR initiatives in education, healthcare, skill development, and inclusive growth significantly benefit local communities. Its commitment to sustainability is evident in pioneering efforts in final mine closure within Coal India, setting new benchmarks in environmental stewardship. By leveraging renewable energy, conserving water, implementing waste-to-wealth ventures, developing eco-parks on reclaimed land, and undertaking large-scale plantation initiatives, including bamboo cultivation, WCL embodies its vision of inclusive and sustainable growth, aligning operations with national environmental policies and stakeholder expectations.
Western Coalfields Limited
Head Office: Coal Estate, Civil Lines, Nagpur, Maharashtra
Phone: (STD Code -0712) EPABX: 2511383, 2510384, 2510385