Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Oct 6: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, along with Chief Minister Pema Khandu, today inaugurated the Namchik-Namphuk Coal Mine at Longtom under Kharsang sub-division in Changlang district, marking the beginning of Arunachal Pradesh’s first ever commercial coal mining project.
The inauguration heralds a new chapter in Arunachal Pradesh’s economic growth, firmly placing the State on India’s coal and energy map. To mark the occasion, the Union Minister and the Chief Minister performed the Bhumi Pujan and participated in a tree plantation drive under the “100-tree plantation initiative” at the project site. This was followed by the formal inauguration ceremony, the handover of the mining lease, and flagging off of tools and machinery of CPPL to the Namchik-Namphuk Central Coal Block, signifying the official commencement of mining operations.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister described the project as a symbol of new hope and a milestone in the path of development and energy security for the North East. He said that the Namchik-Namphuk Coal Block, with an estimated coal reserve of 1.5 crore tonnes, has officially become operational from today.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Reddy said, “Coal remains the backbone of India’s energy sector and plays a crucial role in national development. India today is the second-largest producer and consumer of coal, and the fifth-largest in terms of reserves globally.” He expressed confidence that the new coal field will generate employment opportunities and boost industrial growth in Arunachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, in his address, hailed the occasion as a historic day for Arunachal Pradesh, stating that the project is expected to generate around Rs 100 crore in annual revenue for the State.
“The Namchik Namphuk Coal Block will be a major contributor to the State’s exchequer, creating jobs, livelihoods, and economic activity across the region,” Khandu said, adding that both the State and Central Governments are committed to making more coal fields functional in the near future.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein described the launch as “a new era for Arunachal Pradesh”, emphasizing that the project marks a major stride toward growth, self-reliance, and employment generation. He conveyed gratitude to the Ministry of Coal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the State’s developmental aspirations.
The Namchik-Namphuk Opencast Coal Mine, spanning 133.65 hectares, has been vested in favour of M/s Coal Pulz Pvt Ltd under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015. With an approved capacity of 0.20 MTPA (normal) and 0.30 MTPA (peak) and a coal grade of G5 (5950 kcal/kg), the project has obtained all statutory clearances, including environmental, forest (Stage II), mining lease, and mine opening permissions.
Fully adhering to statutory and environmental norms, the project ensures 65.50% revenue share to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, marking a major step towards sustainable coal production, economic self-reliance, and livelihood generation in the State.
The commissioning of the Namchik-Namphuk Coal Mine underlines the Government’s focus on sustainable mining, energy security, and inclusive economic growth, opening a new chapter in Arunachal Pradesh’s journey toward self-sufficiency and prosperity, officials said.