New crushing unit aimed at steadying fuel flow to thermal plant
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has commissioned a new 800 tonnes-per-hour (TPH) Black Diamond Crusher at the Durgapur Opencast Mine (OCM) in the Chandrapur area, company officials reported during a one-day inspection by WCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Dr Hemant Sharad Pande. The crusher was inaugurated as part of measures to strengthen coal handling and ensure a continuous supply of crushed coal to Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS).
The inauguration was attended by the Director (Fuel) and the Chief Engineer of CSTPS, underscoring the linkage between mine-side processing and the fuel requirements of the thermal plant. During the visit, Dr Pande reviewed overburden removal (OBR) and coal dispatch operations at Durgapur OCM and held discussions with contractor KVRR to assess operational performance.
- Capacity: 800 TPH Black Diamond Crusher installed at Durgapur OCM.
- Purpose: To facilitate crushing of coal and support uninterrupted supply to CSTPS.
- Operational review: OBR activities and coal dispatch processes were examined; contractor KVRR engaged on productivity measures.
WCL said the new unit is intended to support coal supply operations by enabling the crushing of raw coal to specifications needed by the power station. Reliable availability of crushed coal is central to the steady running of thermal power generation, and mine-side crushing and handling infrastructure are critical links in this chain.
"Safety must remain paramount in every mining operation," Dr Pande emphasised, calling for strict adherence to safety protocols and constant vigilance to protect the workforce while achieving production targets.
Operational focus: productivity, dispatch and safety
During the inspection, the CMD's review of overburden removal and dispatch sought to identify bottlenecks and opportunities to enhance productivity. The interaction with contractor KVRR aimed to discuss operational performance and steps to strengthen the efficiency of mining activities without compromising workplace safety.
The commissioning of the crusher is the latest in efforts to improve mine-side processing capacity. By raising the throughput of crushed coal, WCL expects to support the fuel supply chain serving CSTPS more robustly. The presence of senior CSTPS officials at the inauguration reflects the mutual dependence between the mine and the power station on timely and quality coal dispatch.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Crusher model | Black Diamond |
| Capacity | 800 TPH |
| Attendees | WCL CMD Dr Hemant Sharad Pande; Director (Fuel), CSTPS; Chief Engineer, CSTPS |
| Contractor engaged | KVRR |
The development is likely to be welcomed by stakeholders concerned with coal logistics and power generation stability in the region. Thermal stations depend on a chain of activities at mines — from overburden removal and extraction to primary crushing, handling and dispatch — and upgrades at the mine end can reduce supply disruptions.
Local observers note that operational improvements at Durgapur OCM can have immediate implications for coal flow into CSTPS, which in turn affects generation schedules. While the installation of the crusher addresses one link in the supply chain, the CMD's emphasis on safety highlights that enhancements must be matched by disciplined implementation of protocols and monitoring of contractor performance.
As WCL continues to review productivity and workplace safety across its operations, the Durgapur OCM upgrade will be watched for its impact on dispatch volumes and on-the-ground efficiencies. The company has signalled that boosting processing capacity, alongside strengthened oversight of contractors, forms part of a concerted effort to sustain coal supplies for thermal power operations in the Chandrapur area.
