Coal India Ltd recorded 5.75 per cent growth in production in the first seven weeks of this fiscal compared to the same period in 2010-11. Till May 20, production is up by 3 million tonnes to 56.25 mt, slightly ahead of the targeted volume.
Growth in availability is ensured as coal off-take has progressed by 5.75 per cent to 63 mt. Overall off-take has improved by 3.4 mt, marginally lower than the target.
Over-burden removal, which signifies the preparation for future production growth, has increased by a substantial 11.5 per cent to 11.7 million cubic feet, slightly ahead of target.
In 2010-11, coal production and off-take suffered a set back during second and third quarter before picking up again in the fourth quarter. As in December 2011, the production was 9 million tonnes lower than the previous year. The decline was largely attributed to heavy rains and the resulting production loss during August-October period.
The company, however, ended the last fiscal with close to 1 per cent growth in production.