Coal India Limited (CIL) is enhancing domestic coal supply quality by increasing coal despatches via silo-based mechanized loading systems with Auto Mechanical Samplers. This technology ensures consistent quality and reduces consumer concerns. CIL facilitates impartial coal quality determination through Third Party Sampling Agencies (TPSAs). Till December FY26, CIL despatched about 375 Million Tonnes (MTs) of coal through rail mode sampled by TPSAs, half via silos with auto mechanical samplers.
Enhancing Coal Quality
Coal India Limited (CIL) is actively improving the quality of domestic coal supply using silo-based mechanized loading systems. These systems are integrated with Auto Mechanical Samplers to ensure greater consistency in coal quality, reducing human interference and addressing consumer concerns.
Third-Party Sampling
To maintain an impartial, transparent, and credible coal quality assessment, CIL uses independent Third Party Sampling Agencies (TPSAs). Currently, 11 TPSAs, empaneled by Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFCL), conduct sampling and analysis at CIL’s subsidiary companies’ coal loading points. Coal consumers can select a TPSA of their choice for quality assessment.
Despatches and Silo Loading
As of December FY26, CIL has despatched approximately 375 Million Tonnes (MTs) of coal via rail, sampled by TPSAs. Half of these despatches utilized silos with installed auto mechanical samplers to maintain high coal quality standards. CIL aims to increase silo-based despatches to around 80% in the current fiscal year. New first mile connectivity projects and silo loading are being prioritized to achieve this target.
Grade Conformity
Based on TPSA and referee lab analysis, CIL’s overall grade conformity has increased to 85% as of December of the ongoing fiscal year, compared to 82% during the same period last year. Increased silo loading efforts are expected to further improve conformity.
Online Analysis
CIL has also begun implementing online analysis at two subsidiaries to obtain real-time quality assessment results, promoting technology use and transparency in sampling.
Addressing Heterogeneity
Despite these measures, Indian coal’s heterogeneity means that coal within the same seam can display different grades. Consequently, the gross calorific value may vary between samples taken from different locations. However, CIL is focused on utilizing technology for quality assessment as a key strategy.
Source: BSE
