Overview India is the 3rd largest coal producer in the world, after the USA and China. India reportedly has reserves of 200 billion tons of coal of which 70 billion tons are proven. Production is forecast to exceed 340 Mt in 2000. Coal is the dominant energy source in India, accounting for more than half of the country's requirements.
Domestic supplies satisfy most of India's coal demand.
Although Coal India is currently State controlled, although efforts are being made to open the industry to Indian private investors. South Eastern Coalfields are planning to increase production from two of its operations, the Gevra and Dipka mines that supply coal to power stations. The only other major producer outside of CIL, is the Singerani Collieries Company that is located in Andhra Pradesh. Through its six coal producing subsidiary companies, CIL is the country's largest coal producer.